Update.
I think there is room for improvement (a much needed one too).
Competition is hamperred by low numbers of 4k cities, on average there are about 5 or 6 to start with and these are quickly taken up by players on first come first served basis.Very often new players visiting the server, with intent to play, leave soon, realising there is "no more room."
This situation can be overcome in two ways:
1) A bigger map, like 2048x2048 with lots of bigger cities.
2) Removing the noise limit.
Thats my opinion, hope to see others ideas too.