In this build I have spawned right between other armies several times meaning I was doomed from the start . Will their be a better way to distribute players spawn spots? You could base it on the number of spawns using a polyhedron on sphere concept and metal distribution could follow (a randomised) version of this. I'm only getting in to the game again and the balance is very different.... hence having to relearn things. Although the spawns have been a game breaker too often.
They're working on improving game balance – particularly spawn spots, both in their location and evenly starting metal spots. We don't know too much beyond this.
It's funny losing games that are casual but I have been intentionally playing on small planets and nearly every time I've been right between two armies and the whole other side of the planet is clear. Small planets don't crash out. Will have to wait but I hope my idea helps.
Gives you a chance to watch the other players at work, live, and maybe taunt them judiciously when they make mistakes.