Tall vs Wide, Culture and Science

Speed of social progress could be an inherent advantage of the tall, e.g. through a system of cultural maintenance. Having less cities and population and more culture generated per capita would mean more culture per turn and faster acquisition of new policies. Also smaller population may lead to faster tech diffusion. So small civs would be hard nuts to crack, having the potential for expansion on opportunity. Diffusion mechanic could make small civs overall scientifically stronger despite having less beakers per turn, with no need for per city science petalty for big civs.

Gods of Old

Made Gods of Old mod. Idea is, make faith more interesting. With this mod you have a choise - get an early boost to your development with pagan buildings, or go straight for religion to get possibly bigger bonuses later. And even if you are not planning to create your own religion, some early faith is useful. Also in this mod Great Prophet can be created with great people points, so going wide or having faith pantheon is not necessary to get a religion.