Here we go - I have found that this process works best if we all focus on the same list of points to discuss, rather than free-form.  That said, feel free to add new points to the list!
 
Fundamental assumptions of the variant:
 
1 - Crossing the North Sea is an option in the early game, not a requirement to win.  There are 19 SCs on the British Isles + Zetland, and there are 19 SC in Scandinvia, the Continent, and Zetland.  So pairing up with a good ally to make the jump to the other side is meant to be a viable option.  So is trying to win it all with ruthless stabs in your own backyard.  Which one is best should be determined by how fast development is occuring on the other side. 


2 - the prevalence of coastal SCs means that fleets should be favored over armies.  I have heard this assumption strongly challenged already, and would like to hear more detail please.
 
Specifics -
 
Does the new Eider river canal let the Norse and Swedes have a lasting alliance?
 
Lindholm is a key early gain that the Norse in particular have to consider going for, as they tend to be more SC starved than the Danes or Swedes in the first year?  (True or False - should the Danes consider allowing this to happen, or too risky?)
 
How should I fix the Anglo-Saxon / Briton border so that conflict is not so inevitable?
 
How can I make the Scots and Gaels at least have a good peace option, if not an active alliance aimed at a third party? 
 
Some of this Frank, Chris, and Scott have already touched in in their remarks, please review those emails as well!
 
Thanks!
B.

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