[gameplay issue] Kingdom dispersal

I've started several new games in Elemental and while I've had very few issues, one thing I've begun to notice is that the game doesn't seem to make the most of the map size or the possible starting locations when spawning the various empires.  I can play a game with only one opposing empire, and it always seems like the opponent spawns right next to me.  On a large map, I would think that an opponent would have even chances to spawn on the opposite side of the world, but after a dozen (new game, check opponent's position, start over) routines, we always spawn as very close neighbors.