I had the same problems with different big companies.
The real problem is that only 10 companies have a lot of areas, the admis and programmers to the game are very idiots, sorry for my words but it's the true. They need put a limit of flags 3 or 5 not more. I saw only 1 company with 30 flags of 5 players.
I really regret having bought this game. In just 2 weeks there is no land to create a boat.
Sorry for my english, but I am very angry with this game.