As an addition, not an answer, a religion would pop the capital's borders much earlier (10+ turns), maybe opening some tile claiming/sharing options.
You make very interesting points. Much to ponder.
Maybe, on this, : "How big do you consider a T29 settler over a T33 one? Size 5 capital with double mines"
The last point of pop in Mecca takes about 4 turns of growth, the point before takes 3 turns.
So, 4 turns earlier city for a point of pop I find acceptable.
The city tile of the new city brings 2F1H1C
New city works a mistery tile
There's a delay to work that tile, time to improve it. But if it's a 6 yield tile... I value it pretty high.
The 2F1H1C of the city tile takes longer to help produce new items, so it also incurs a form of delay, grow to size 2 first but... it's a close yield to that of a mine.
It really depends on scouting but, if there's good land, you're better off spreading production between many cities, I would think.
That also goes with the two workers : they're better off improving specials from early settlers, rather than chopping/mining.
--> "but the expansion to 4-5-6 cities shouldn't be hurt"
I sort of disagree. I think strong cities 2-3 are key to the transition to 5-6.
I agree totally @ sharing the corn being most appealing. I'm not sure it favours mining. Cities sharing food tiles with Mecca really need their own food source. Mecca wants its food real bad with 7 happies + luxuries.
"I recommend you try some meditation first openings and mining the hills before chopping"
I'll certainly do that. I'll have some time tomorrow
