What I see as the two changes needed (note, this is slightly from a Barbarian point of view but I think I'm being appropriately "neutral"

I would make two slight tweaks to the map

1) The Barbarians biggest problem is that they are essentially FORCED to telegraph their moves. Every move out of their starting centers is unambiguous and it greatly reduces their ability to engage in diplomacy. While this may be flavorful, it is greatly exaggerated and not really in keeping with the spirit of the game. To this end, I would "massage" Eridu somewhat (possibly removing it altogether). Pendarin woods or Andarien Plains should be made to touch Gwynir (possibly both?). That gives the Barbarians some room for options and negotiations.

2) I think natural relations between the Fairies and their neighbors are too friendly. The Fairies have a very, very good chance of getting three builds (it would really take a concerted Knight/Rogue effort to keep them even to 1 build... and that's only doable if the Rogue sacrifices any hope of two builds by being willing to bounce in Gurgi and Dimmsdale). I considered the possibility of making Grimheim touch Gurgi. But this seems too god. A better choice might just be to make Daisy Meadows an SC. Something to create some friction between the two would be nice. Currently, only Dimmsdale does this but it's removed from both Fairy and Rogue home SCs so it's of limited use in that regard. The other possibility is to stretch WMO to touch Dimmsdale and switch Julianthes and Dimmsdale making Dimmsdale an Eternal Build Center. This would draw both the Dwarves and the Nomads in (This has the added benefit of making churning Rock not adjacent to two eternal build centers. This might make the Fairies TOO weak, however.