Is everyone already aware of this tool by DireAussie (David Fidge)?
http://users.on.net/~dfidge/dom3/mods.html
"Description: this program allows you to modify a map's possible starting locations so that you are guaranteed a minimum number of neighbouring provinces in each starting spot. You choose a map file on your computer, set the minimum number of neighbours on the web page and click on submit. The program will then modify the map file and mark all provinces with less than the specified minimum number of neighbours as 'no start'. You will be prompted to save a file - overwrite the old .map file. All done! Your map is ready to play with better starting spots."
Looks useful.
-Max
Starting locations
Threaded Mode