The map plays a large part in the early expansion... having enough settlement in the right places and some parts of map more difficult to get to from others would help but not sure what EB2 map looks like in close details yet. From what I understand AI often decides on expansion by distance as calculated by the engine which results aren't as obvious as it sometimes seems looking at the map. That would do wonderfully to help make it more fun. I've so many times seen factions reach areas which would be very weird in history. Of course things will go off track eventually but its annoying when its only turn 20. The new economic and colonial system might help there.

Also I really hope they make all factions re-emergent factions if rebellion happens in their core territories.