I have edited the first draft to show a new version of the alternate map which I think satisfactorily solves the problem concerning the clarity of the borders. I am personally leaning heavily towards the alternate map from an aesthetic standpoint, but to my surprise the poll shows a slight preference for the original version.
I would like to resolve the design issue as soon as possible and move on to function.
The latest version of the map includes two new countries. Campania has been split into Salerno and Napoli, and Veneto has been split into Venezia and Verona. This brings the total number of countries (including the sea lanes and mountain pass) to 36, which means that only one neutral country will be needed for five players and none for two, three, four, or six players.
onbekende thinks the value of Corsica and Italy combined is too high given the ease of defending a single border. If this is the general consensus, then I would consider these possible solutions: 1) dropping the value of Sardegna to 1, 2) adding a border between Sardegna and Central Italy, or 3) making the border between Corsica and Northern Italy two way.
Thanks for the help and happy conquering,
--matteo11