Hi. I setup a server so me and some friends could play. One of us uses a scripting program and almost every port I go to, he cleaned it out already lol. I ended up dipping my toe into the script world myself just so I could have a chance to build some strength without spending hours searching aimlessly.

I'd like to launch a second game but one that restricts people to only "hand" playing. No automation. Is that even possible?

sadly no... a good scripter can write his way around any road blocks you throw up.
The only advice can give you which also is not much help is keep the game small and low turns....

-sk