I did and do prefer the map mainly because the presence of mountains makes for more natural looking borders and varied land.

I don't deny there being some desert, just nowhere to the extent that you showed it where it was 2/3 of my nation. And anyways Voltus said we could have some creative leeway when it came to that map, so that desert is going to be mild in most parts. Think of wooded heathes with acacia, big watering holes, and massive oil wells raping the land for her resources!