In Near vs Normal Chess, which side has the advantage?

Question

You can find information on Near vs Normal Chess here:

http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/35799

Initially I thought the Near Chess side would have no chance. However, it ended up initially being closer than I expected, running it on the computer and personally playing it against human opponents. I would likely give a slight edge to the Normal side, but I am not sure. Let's say we follow all of normal chess rules, except the Near side changes things this way:

1. Near starts its pieces one row closer, but its pawns don't get initial double move.

2. Near doesn't castle.

3. Near can En Passant Normal's pawns, but due to the limited movement of Near's pawns, Normal can En Passant them.

In Near vs Normal one side (white or black) plays by normal chess rules, and the other by Near Chess rules, with unified rules exception noted.

So, anyone have any answer or speculation to which side has the advantage, or if it is dead even?

Answer 1

No castling is huge.  Regular by a mile.  Equal opponents in regular chess sometimes sacrifice so their opponent can't castle.  "Near" is giving that away for free.

Answer 2

based on what I've seen and stuff I believe that near chess has more of an advantage but you have to be careful that you don't let your opponent get the advantage of you. Other wise

110% Near chess