I understand both comments, but they don't really address what I'm asking for in the late / end stage of the games' life.
With all the messing about they have done with this game it has pushed so many players out, and the base is shrinking rapidly, so, with this in mind I will repeat my original point, just open the game up fully, 🇸🇹🇴🇵 🇼🇮🇹🇭 🇹🇭🇪 🇷🇪🇸🇹🇷🇮🇨🇹🇪🇩 🇽🇵 and let people play it how they want.
Let the games, whichever mode or map you play just start with one player if necessary and fill the rest with AI, then when other players do join just remove the AI.
In essence, let people have fun without silly restrictions and barriers.