Honestly I don't see your problem with people starting next to you, Rat. One of the latest games I played, I went right next to a guy with good territory, he rage quitted, and I ended up winning. I think it is a simple and effective strategy, like allies except not as cheap.
Perhaps set a requirement that the "noobs" on the list be active members of the game? How about to be included on the "list" the player must be level 10+?