Lets see...
- Bengal -- 8 Countries, 6 Borders, Bonus of 4 (+1 Capital)
- Bombay -- 9 Countries, 7 Borders, Bonus of 5 (+1 Capital)
- Burma -- 6 Countries, 3 Borders, Bonus of 3 (+1 Capital)
- Lahore -- 7 Countries, 6 Borders, Bonus of 4 (+1 Capital)
- Madras -- 6 Countries, 3 Borders, Bonus of 4 (+1 Capital)
Now I remember you speaking of the various 'mind sets' for each continent. Madras and Burma easily are the stronghold continents, as you mentioned.
That said, I'd consider making both Burma and Madras the same bonus...and the bonus of 3...due to the fact the capitals are not borders and both are similar. Making them both 4 seems like it would be make these continents too powerful compared to the other 3.
As for Bombay, it s going to have a hell of a time defending 7 positions, as there really aren't any ways to take over more countries and limit your borders. Also, I feel that Bombay's capital will most likely go to whoever can grab Madras, as they can keep their borders down 3 if they grab Pooma and Bombay and defend Bombay plus Haid. plus Ceylon. The mountains actually hurt the Bombay continent more than they help it. I like the idea of mountains, but perhaps Bombay needs a few more strategically placed. Bottomline, the Bombay continent is extremely tough to hold and defend for a bonus of 5. I'd consider boosting that up t 7-8 (+1 for Capital). That might help off set the two 'stronghold continents'.
Regarding Bengal, it is slightly, ever so slightly better off than the Bombay continent. It has 1 less border, but its capital is also a border state. Luckily for Bengal though, as of right now, it would be difficult for the Bombay area to make holding the Bengal capital tough. Again the bottomline here is a bonus of 4 seems too low, and might need to boost that up to offset the stronholds. Something maybe around the range of 6-7 (+1 for Capital).
And now to Lahore. It is in similar boats as Bombay and Bengal. Its capital is a border, but it being near the Bombay continent helps it out slightly. Bottomline once again, a bonus of 4 seems too low. Look into boosting it up similar to the others, to perhaps around 6-7 (+1 for Capital).
It still seems like there are too many 'twin/alike' continents. I question the diversity again.
How open are you to the addition of any more impassable borders? I don't mean to suggest making Bombay, Lahore, and Bengal like Madras and Burma, but perhaps give them a small break...but let them still offset the stronghold regions.
--Andy