I think some of those gameplay depth-related features are going to correct themselves as the game matures. Having only 3-5 races for instance, stands in pretty sharp contrast to the several that are presented in GalCiv.
I really disliked the (nearly meaningless) 2D combat display sequences in GalCiv. I do prefer to be able to have a little more control over directing the actions of my fleet during battles.
...but point taken, there's definitly an issue here of preference. My favorite RTS to date has been Star Wars Empire at War (and the Forces of Corruption expansion). So I guess I'm more the click-fest overhead battle management RTS fan.
__________________
|