I still don't like the idea of not having a clue where to start. Random ... Is random... You don't know what you're going to get and it might be unfair. Examples:
One base surrounded by 3.
All bases of one country are already grouped together.
All bases of one country is scattered everywhere (you may have 2 or 3 "main bases", but there is no way you can defend the other 10+ at the same time.)
Two countries are placed in spots perfect for a ganging (2 on both sides, 1 sandwiched in the middle)
CVs/Ports are unfairly balanced (One side might have it in the main areas and can use it instantly, others might be far off in the corner)
One base surrounded by three should be an easy take or one heck of a fight for defenders.
All bases for one country won't be together because they are randomly assigned all over the map for all three countries.
Defending or taking 10+ bases at the same time would thin out hordes since we'd find more good fights at more bases.
Countries will develop in many sections at first and then the fight for more contiguous land will build the country based on the success of the ongoing fights.
Ports and CVs will be fought for as countries have or capture bases close to them. Initially they are random assigned to countries just like other bases.
I think this would work best on the large maps because there will be a lot of variety in the number of bases next to enemy bases.
This will create many more fights and variety of fighting as well as more strategic thinking with respect to what bases to go after next.
For those that just want to fight there would be more fights and for those wanting to take land there would be more choices as to which bases to go after next, so everyone would benefit.
Each country would start with the same number of bases, it's just that they are assigned randomly, IE spread out over the full map, then let's see how the contiguous land grabbing develops with each base capture.
Shouldn't be hard to try one time. Might be fun.