Currently you can pick your Civ, but if both players tick the Prefer random civ option, you end up with a random civ, and everyone is happy with it. That solution is great.
Why not apply a similar approach to the map selection ?
You could choose the maps you want to ban so if you are more confident on Arabia you could only play Arabia. But you could tick a Prefer random map option, and if both players are willing to test their adaptability on a random map, they could. That solution would be great. + Solution to the ALT-F4 problem.