For all those interesting Observations, running from reply #18 to #25 -- Thanks, Guys!
Just to review the bidding: my principle purpose in starting this Discussion thread was to provide a place where folks could identify Currrent Features that they now Really Like - so as to provide some feedback to the E:FE developers, on what aspects of the game are already nearly perfect, OR at least, Good Enough ... Here are two more features that I currently REALLY LIKE:
AI Surrenders. I love the fact that AI controlled kingdoms and empires (even the accursed Magnar-ians, and the always annoying Paridens) usually have the good grace (or the wisdom) to know when to surrender! When I think of all the 4X games and Strategy games I've played, where I spent hours engaging in end-game mop-up, I am very grateful for E:FE. However much they may pontificate (and threaten or cajole) the AI players don't usually insist on fighting down to the last man (or woman, or critter, or THING). I am sure there are folks who love this part of a game, where they can slosh the earth with the blood of their enemies. But for my part, when I am sure I have turned the corner, and have nothing left to do but mop up, that's when I want to start a new game!
Right Number of Levels of Play (difficulty). When v0.915 came out, I was overjoyed to see that two new levels of play had been added to the existing seven. The range of play difficulty now runs: Novice, Beginner, Easy, Normal, Challenging, Hard, Expert, Ridiculous, and Insane. I think this is about right -- 5 levels above Normal, and 3 levels below Normal. Previously I had worried that all of the hard-core players' constant calls to make the game more "challenging" would result in there being no levels, that were relatively easy, for more casual players. Now I am pretty confident that all of us can find some level (or levels) that we are happy with. This still may not be Perfect, but it is plenty Good Enough!
(On the other hand, if Stardock feels the need to offer another, even harder level (let's call it "Suicidal-Masochistic")
, I would have no problem with that.)
(But better that Stardock should use the resources to solve some real problem ... )