Why is it such a big problem, when you could just develop the other city...
And what is it in the rules that you hate? And remember, the rules are the same for everyone, so if you get a benefit, we get it as well. I can't change the rules so you can beat me, everyone have to be equal for the game to be fun.
About the oil drills, I don't think they should give more than 1 resource. Rushing for all the sea bases with no cities on the land would make the game very unrealistic. I think they should rather be strategical bases you develop if you need the strategical advantage, and leave out otherwise.