Maybe when variants get going here...

Game used to start with only 5 people, but it was removed because too often it imbalanced the game. But, I think I agree with you; now that we have live games, it might be nice to play even with fewer than 7 people.

But some people might not want to play with fewer players...
So they should be allowed out if they want to get out.

That is a good point (and probably why the feature was removed to begin with).

Well, let me completely reverse my position and say:

Perhaps the problem isn't too few options, but too many. Often times, I see multiple people recruiting for live games, with slightly different options (WTA/PPSC,5/10min, etc). Sometimes, even though more than 7 people express interest, no games get started.

Instead of adding the option to start with fewer players, which may just turn into 1 more setting people disagree on, people should just be a little more flexible with the live games they play.

I agree with ChrisZ and Abgemacht

There are complete different variants for different numbers of players. Once the variant-support is done kestasjk might add some. The Hundred-variant (3-players) or the South America (4-players) variants are quite good for live games.

just FYI: the standard 6 players game (in the rules from the box which i've read, not sure which edition it was) are to allow italy go neutral. (which probably makes an interesting game anyway)

for 5 players the suggestion is to eliminate italy and germany.

4 players - the players take
- England
- Austria/France
- Germany/Turkey
- Italy/Russia

For 3 player they take
- England/Germany/Austria
- Russia/Italy
- France/Turkey

while the two players suggestion a bit different World war I powers:
France/England/Russia vs Germany/Austrai/Turkey (with Italy neutral and unable to be entered - also with italy joining one side at the end of the first year, on the flip of a coin) also play is to 24 SC (good for new players to learn apparently)

I think the 5 and 6 player option would be fine to play with as standard, i'm not sure about the other ones...

I would quite like to see 6,5 and 4 added as variant options, but if a game starts like that I don't think the other nation should be available: if you start a 6player game it shouldn't turn into a 7 player.

Wow, you folks have a lot of experience and insight on this topic.
From my newbie experience the most common game result is: *"This game has been cancelled: The game didn't reach the 7 required players."* I personally would be glad to take all 7 players,
I'd even leave the ability to buy-into the CD of an Active Game turned on.

Well, on weekends you will almost always find a good game. And during the week if you have time to wait for one to start, normally as well.

I'm sorry. But I have to disagree with this option. It would almost certainly unbalance the game to favor one or more players.

the game is unbalanced to begin with; what is wrong with that? Diplomacy gets you a win with italy when tactics may not.

That's true. As long as it come to fruition as an OPTION I see no harm.... ; )

are you worried about the effect it might have on people's stats? - i mean i do like this variant as just that an optional version of the game but also as an option in startup (to allow the game begin with 6/5 players) I don't know if that should be the default...

Agreed. For those making stat comments: the only people that having the 6->7 option really helped were those who excelled as Italy, because there were always an abundance of CD Italys to have!