As for historical accuracy, this varient is set in the XXI century. I don't think the Balkans are as politically relevant now as they were last century. Historically, I see no big deal. Strategically, I'm not sure. For example, the Black Sea would border 5 SCs. Seems a bit akward to me.

Dude, it's set in 2000 and the USA is comprised of Florida, Texas and California. Plus there are two Russias that combine to occupy half of actual Russia's space, China is a third of actual China's size, scattered footholds of Antarctica have a superior naval force to the USA, etc.

Historical accuracy is nonexistent here. Strategic argument has merit.

(Also, while I grant this was in the 90s and not the 2000s, the Balkans do have a recent history of being a powder keg...)

Hahaha, the world map variant is not at all historically accurate. It's more an attempt to make a somewhat balanced game played on the world map. I mean seriously, looks at all the SCs in Antarctica. Nobody's trying to offend Eastern Europeans so much as they're trying to appease all the penguins.

I get your point about the setting in the 21st century, but still the Balkans have not completely lost their strategic importance. But the formation of the EU have certainly contributed to the loss of its strategic value today. Besides, if I consider your argument that the countries in the variant map are based on the way they are now, taking a brief look at the map will tell you how wrong you are.

Nevertheless, the buffer between "Near East" and Europe makes no sense. This can prevent both these countries, (also somewhat includes Russia, but not as much as these two) to think about attacking this province, which to me is vital, no matter if there are 5 around the Black Sea (some parts of the world are more important strategically, at least more than "Western Siberia"), easily allowing them to focus on other countries and not worry about each other too much, unless they are crazy enough to forego other SCs and go for attacking each other.

I hope I made my point clear. Check this link out. But of course, only one example does not prove it.
http://webdiplomacy.net/map.php?gameID=43435&turn=3&mapType=large

@Chrispminis LOL, at least the map empowered the penguins. I agree about the balance thing. But my point is about the vacuum it creates between Asia and Europe functionally in the game.