My first post (copied) and why I've hesitated
I've been reading over the GalCiv III forums since the game launched, and have wanted to ask a question for a while that I felt others tried to ask, but then those ideas seemed to disintegrate into unproductive arguments. I suppose I hesitated to write because I'm anticipating salty responses. I really enjoyed GalCiv II, but stopped playing due to the absence of one feature that was essential for me, personally. I haven't purchased GalCiv III due to the absence of that feature (see below), but if it was added I'd jump on board right away. Perhaps there are others out there who dismissed GalCiv III, but would end up prioritizing it over Stellaris or others if it was added? I'll explain below.
Admiral-led (tactical) Battles: A possiblity that this may happen?
The May 2017 Journal post gave me a glimpse of what could happen. Brad mentioned the potential consideration of "letting flees that are commanded by an Admiral have tactical control over their battle." and that the hardware is already in the game because "right now, GalCiv III has tactical battles, it's just that they are forcibly put to auto-resolve.." (https://forums.galciv3.com/483144/galciv-journal-may-2017) Is the idea of adding admiral control or enabling some mod to that effect still under consideration?
Solidifying GalCiv III as the 4x leader
I haven't purchased GalCiv III due to the absence of an option for more tactical control in battle. It doesn't have to be turn-based tactical control, but I've always been seeking for a vs. AI option that would give me the same involvement with ships I design as is possible with colonies, diplomacy, etc. Articles at explorminate.net describe these key 4x immersion factors well. If it some aspect of tactical control vs. AI was added I'd jump on board right away.
I realize this differs from the initial vision of the game, but if this was an optional expansion of sorts, would it give it a chance to emerge with a unique advantage over your competitors? GalCiv III, Stellaris, Endless Space, and others have established themselves as the top 4x leaders, but I don't think any of them has effectively emerged as the leader in strategic and tactical immersion. As with GalCiv III, I haven't bought these games either because each of them lacked the immersion in combat that I've desired. (I did buy the latest Master of Orion, StarDrive 1/2, Stars in Shadow, Dawn of Andromeda, but they all failed to do this in my opinion).
If GalCiv expanded outside expectations by possibly adding a feature like this, could it bring in other players who tried and were disappointed with these other games, or who wanted the feature in Endless Space and Stellaris but couldn't get it? Please note that my suggestion is about a game option that could be turned on or off, or perhaps are only available vs. the AI, and so would be an option a player could disable if it disrupted his/her vision of how the game should be.
I keep hoping to see a press release that announces something like "GalCiv III to offer major feature option not found in other leading 4x games: tactical combat!" What do you all think??