They're final when we agree they are, so far there hasn't been a lot of discussion about them. I would like everybody to comment on the following list of settings (cleaned up a bit from the OP):
* Bans: Tech trading, espionage, great spy infiltration (
scouting allowed), nukes,
corporations, blockades, elephants, SoZ and diplo victory (AP allowed)
*
expected turn rate 1t/day (should we change this to 1/1.5 days? don't want to stress people out too badly)
* ancient start, quick speed
* no barbs, huts, events or vassal states
*
regular snake pick with max one of FIN, EXP, India, Inca
*
All AI diplo (minus cheesy gifting) + the following proposals allowed:
- NAP for up to 20 turns (binding)
- declaration of war on X at turn Y (actual war effort not binding)
- border agreement (only binding for the duration of your NAP)
- close borders with X
* Everybody plays to the death. Scoring is based on time of death firstly, in-game score secondly in case of a non-military victory. Even if you have little chances left of winning, try to see if you can reach #2 or even #3.
* Everybody is strongly encouraged to write a good report on their game, will also help you lots in improving your game as you will get a lot more lurker interest and feedback
I have bolded the parts that I think people might warrant further discussion. I would like all players to respond to the proposed settings, stating which ones (if any) they would like to see revised or clarified.
Example of the diplo system:
A is friends with B and wants B to help him gang up on C. He also wants to solidify his relations with B with a border agreement, and offers to sweeten the deal with A sends C a proposal with this content:
- 30t NAP
- joint declaration of war on C 10t from now
- 30 gold for B (as a gift)
- a dotmap outlining legal city sites for both A and B on their border
B can now accept or decline. If he fails to respond before A's next turn, the proposal is no longer binding for A. He may make a counter offer with revised terms, which is a new proposal. You are NOT allowed to type any of this out in prose, you must stick with the in-game proposals + the extra ones allowed. Probably most practical to mention all proposals in the e-mail, including any in-game proposals such as resource trades. Any in-game proposals should also be forwarded. The other player may not accept a proposal if it is accompanied by other terms unless he accepts the whole package. Ie. in the example above, obviously B is not allowed to accept the gift and reject the rest.
I hope that makes sense

Please ask if you're confused.