You need to make custom maps with Galaxy Forge:      

stardock.cachefly.net/GalaxyForge3.rar

Not really a map maker but its under SetHomePlanet. There are lots of options once you learn the basics.

Yes random does mean random placement as well. There is random planet setups though so your position may not change, the planet types will. With the map maker you can set a planet to be WeightedRAndom (randomly chooses any planet class), RandomSpecial (asteroids, nebulae, gas giants), WeightedNonIce and lots of  other choices.

There has been little word from IC since the last diplomacy update in January. I think Stardock has them locked up.

if you want, you could set diplomacy open, then have the players in each star system team up. its not perfect, but it could do the job.

btw: the max number of players has to be filled or else you could have too many players in a star system.