Why do some players get starting trade goods in 7 player TI3?
Position 3, which gets the 6 trade goods is, as you say, clearly the worst, all cramped up there. 

The two which get 4 trade goods, positions 1 &amp; 2, only have 3 tiles which are directly connected to their home world, whereas the remaining 4 positions are connected to the board with 4 tiles. This gives them more movement options and I guess this would be why the others are compensated :)