Somewhat leaning China/Russia/Germany to bink bronze working on T0. There is a ~2.2% chance to do so with Agri/Mining and ~1.9% with Hunting/Mining. EDIT: Obviously Korea is a thing too, but since I'm involved with them in PB23, they are at the back of the line. Not really interested in Khmer/Ethiopia.
The most valuable early game tech, despite all of Krill's machinations to reduce its value, is BW. I don't see any reason not to take a ~2% chance on a free BW with a Civ that's reasonably comparable in value and FUN-NESS. The Zulus are the only non-mining civ that I would take, what with perfect food techs, and will ignore the other perfect tech option in Persia. This will also preclude Mongolia as an option. I am leaning towards Russia/Germany for their relatively good UUs, even though they are focused on the late game because
I will obviously be in a good position in the late game with this stacked lineup of players I am optimistic. Something like Hammurabi of Germany for a culture option, early-mid game cash saving, and absurdly early factories. I think I'll be playing an ORG leader given the map settings here, so if I lose Hammy, or have a strong ORG leader like JC or Darius, I'll consider that time.
After a quick scan, the starting location doesn't appear to resemble anything on the PB1 map. It doesn't look like we have a strong long-term capital, a move might be in order at some point. I am happy to get a landlocked capital, I haven't had one since PBEM51, yay variety.
I am concerned with how fast people will be able to start, given that my start seems strong, at least in the short-term. A hut, 3/0/2 tile for the first 16 turns for an extra 16-32 gold over anyone else without a first ring oasis, plus the PH start which is essentially a given on RB now. Maybe someone has 3 resources or a bigger river.