Yeah I'd prefer to start on the smaller map as well, and move to a 16 person region after we get a feel for managing a single town and how regional cooperation works.
If its all the same, I'd hope over to Soiree Sands instead of Trader's Ridge, after further thinking.
Trader's Ridge:
Petrol Bay: Jeddy
Ingot Landing: Ayreonaut
Grand Haven: DJ
Cinder:
Summit Vista:
Soiree Sands: Copes
SignalHillHiker and Marty can choose one of the remaining three cities.
I've decided I want to build a Crime Infested Gambling lair and allow crime to spill into all of your borders!