[Cainehill]

Those are pretty good settings, albeit 'difficult' research can actually bias things in favor of magic in a way, and definately in favor of certain nations.

Nations with cheap researchers get a longer period in which they have key spells; likewise, because nations like Abyssia and Marignon start with powerful spells, they can come out the gate a good deal quicker than other nations, and that initial spell's advantage lasts longer.

Indies I'd definately go 6+, 6 for a "normal" game, 9 if you want people to have to build up armies and/or research good spells before expanding much. Lower settings can be handy sometimes though - you want a game with quick player vs player action, weak independents allow quicker expansion.