Guys step down a notch. This game will be supported with future updates. The CEO of Stardock has stated so on many occasions.
Even if this wouldn't be the case (mind you IT IS), the Modders will create massives amount of content and fixes. In fact, they are already doing a hell of a job with the currently limited ressources available.
Just give this game some time. If you come to think of it, the release version of Elemental is in indeed in a far better state than most comparable games were when they got initially on the shelves.
I firmly disagree. I think the only studios that will respond to customer refunds and take something out of the ordeal ("Hey we shouldn't release buggy, broken games") are supposedly smaller ones like Stardock. Therefore, I think anyone having legitimate issues with the game and that feels unhappy/cheated/disgruntled/etc should request a full refund.
The "modders will fix it" response works fine for indie-priced ($15-30) games, but for $50 most gamers demand a working product out of the box.
So, I think the OP is right in getting a refund, and I am happy it is a quick and less painful experience than he was having with the game (lol). If most of the people who cannot play, or are "shelving" the game until later get a refund, they'll be able to use the money on actual entertainment ... and when Elemental is actually working to their standards, they can give it a second look.
Asking people to pay for something they dislike, then let it sit on a shelf until it hopefully gets better, is bad business.