I think its mainly a matter of taste.
I like that it plays like a slow Dawn of War.
I like the Space SF scenario.
I like the graphics which are beautiful and scalable(my machine is not bad, but not top notch

).
Many well done and unconventional feature also help to set it apart from normal RTS games.
They didnt completely succeed in eliminating the "battle micro" though.
Playing a few games (MP only) I'm also becoming bored by the first 10-15 minutes, which are not very entertaining.
I really dislike the implementation of multiple star systems and think games with them are horrible.
Culture is somewhat meh (it can be a deciding factor in battles, but generally is no primary focus).
Balancing needs work (which could be expected) especially the end game (game winner returning armada vs useless insurgency for example...).
/edit:
Reviews and awards are no indicator at all.
There are so many of them... if a game is not horrible per se a box can always be completely covered in such positive feedback.