@RogerCooper After reviewing maps, I concluded that the East & West map is closest to the TripleA Big World map, so I will implement it first on Big World and then use the actual map.
In terms of neutral handling I see the following possibilties
Major neutrals impassable except that Russia may attack the Arab League.
Major neutrals are fully playable and can be allied through the diplomacy technology table.
Major neutrals can be allied through the diplomacy technology table and are absorbed into the allying power. They are impassable until then.