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! [e digicons]:thumbsup:[/e]
(On the other hand, if Stardock feels the need to offer another, even harder level (let's call it "Suicidal-Masochistic") [e digicons]:grin:[/e] , I would have no problem with that.)
(But better that Stardock should use the resources to solve some real problem ... )