We I've run a few tests, and I get better econ and development by going CLASSICAL before any of the level 2 techs. Basic premise is that you're getting the other resources up and running earlier while making research on the commerce tech cheaper. It's only about 8% more (as measured in total resources) but it grows because you'll be almost a full minute ahead of the standard boom. 8% extra resources at 11:00 = about 500 extra resources. You're behind on food and wood slightly, but much further along in knowledge and metal. It also enables you to insert an easy MIL1 into your strategy at any point in time. This is partialy dependent on finding good spots (obviously) and more work needs to be done, but I think this works better. Of course, rares and ruins can change all that; we'll see what develops.