Removing the settlements has indeed made the map look cleaner... I think it looks betters!

I still have some problems with some labels. Some examples:
- The Rhizan Expanse
- The Bhuj Midlands
- The Beljedan Highlands

These are not very readable I think, because they are transparant.
Otherwise a very nice map!

As for the legend, you could at least explain the different icons for the cities and what is a land trade route and a sea trade route.