What if the first who joins the game lobby always is swapped to red and can chose the mode (like in a hosted game without bots).
Some fun in the last era of the game?
Good idea as long as no noob gets to pick Nomination for game master could be a save option but it requires some technical input from the devs/bot hosters.
I would still recommend changing to that as it gives something new to the (still actively playing) community. Worth a try!