Type: PvE
Map: Altis or Tanoa (IMO anything that's been ported over from ARMA 2 sucks as 3/4 of the buildings aren't accessible.)
Mods: Exile or Epoch, the rest as they are except for RHS. Maybe take a look at a few newer vehicle mods. I know there are a ton of new weapon mods.
AI: Same as now. (Although once they start shooting people unseen from deep within the jungle, I think that will change. Remember, the AI can see you through the nooks and crannys of every tree and bush. They're basically aimbots with a difficulty setting. The new AI was made for Tanoa after all.)
Others: Playing Exile on Tanoa is completely different than Altis. The vendors are solitary and spread over the whole map except for one large town located far to the southeast. Guaranteed this will jam most people together on that one island for a few months as they learn the map. Not a lot of cross country driving as the Tanoa is one giant mass of hills, so it's fly or drive on the main roads to get to missions. Like Exile, on Altis the respawn drops suck massive, hairy, unshowered donkey balls and you will need to rely on auto-run as your one and true friend while playing on the Tanoa map. It is a pretty map, which is a nice visual change from Altis, but I don't think PvE will flow to well.
Perhaps have a 'Test Tanoa' day. Just the Exile mod and maybe missions as both are compatible with APEX, and let it run for 24 hours or so to let players see what they're getting into. Constantly reiterate you need their input. Then have them post their thoughts on the forums.
I do think whichever you choose, X8 will be in his element, laughing with glee like a little child at a Donald Trump Christmas while listening to the endless lamentations of the players.