Prior to updating from 4.0 to 4.1.2, we had our server permissions set up so that only staff was able to create new maps (imageonmap.* set to false for non-staff members). After creating the maps, staff would give them to players to place. This allowed staff to moderate the image content and keep players from spamming maps all over the place.

After updating to 4.1.2, players can no longer place the maps they are given. Once placed, the maps immediately disappear. Staff members with permissions to create new maps, though, were still able to place maps. This leads me to believe that the ability to place maps may have been grouped with other existing permission nodes in the latest updates?

I'd like to be able to deny permission to create/manage maps while still allowing the player to place maps. Perhaps this could be done by creating a specific permission node for placing maps?

PS: I know this must be an issue only with the recent updates, as reverting back to 4.0 fixed my problem

I don't think that's a permission issue. It' may be related to the fact that I slowed down the splatter map deployment to fix an issue with it. What's weird is that it's linked to permission in your case. Don't forget to give the permission remove splatter map to the player