The minimap doesn't really show you were your units are. Only the numbered battlegroups and, of course, sectors can be identified. Finding units is a pain in the *** overall. The unit bar on the left doesn't help at all. It's too hard to recognize units. Generally speaking, keeping an overview where your units are and what kind of units you acutally look at or what units your battlegourp contains is nearly impossible.
Klicking for movement orders often doesn't work. Generally I have to klick several times to have my movement order confirmed.
The whole game so far feels like looking into a giant anthive not really knowing what's going on. It also feels like everything is moving in slow motion.
Doubleclicking should select all units of the same kind in the given viewed area. Very important!
Edit:
That said, I have fun playing it! It has a good feel about it and I like the style. I played 12 hours now and I am getting into it, slowly. Although I said it seems to be running in slow motion I like that it is not too fast paced. It could run a tad bit faster by default for my taste.
All in all, considering what you said what your goal is with Ashes, I think this is on the right track. Keep it going!