Methods and systems are provided for expediting set-up of a multi-electrode lead (MEL). In accordance with specific embodiments, such an MEL includes N groups of electrodes, with each of the N groups including at least M electrodes, where N≧2 and M is ≧2. Electrodes in a same group are within 5 mm of one another. Electrodes in separate groups are at least 10 mm from one another. Specific embodiments relate to methods for identifying cathode-anode electrode configurations that can be used to not exceed a maximum acceptable capture threshold, and that provide a sensed intrinsic R-wave amplitude of at least a minimum acceptable sensing threshold. Such thresholds can be default values, or can be defined by a user (e.g., clinician, physician, nurse, or the like).