OK, the game has potential, but is still in a early-mid beta state.  There are definite balance issues such as :

1)  Avatars and Heroes do not compare to high end stacks at all  (think MOM and how the avatar's were threats to the end.)

2) Tactical combat is pointless as no manuvering, defense or tactics are necessary  (biggest glass cannons always win)

3) Quests and Magic are boring with little effect on world (especially end game).

Anyway, these are the balance issues, not to mention the bugs.  In fact things are so green, many reviewers have simply stated the game is not finished and will wait for this to happen.  This is an offer I have never seen given to a company.  The assumption that things WILL be finished.  Here is where Stardock shines and everyone knows it.  So what to do now???

The only solution is to finish the game.  This is obvious, but how to make that economically work for Stardock?  The solution I see is to make a significant expansion, correct the balance issues to get the game to GalCiv or Sins level and re-release it.  Companies have done this before (think Witcher), and the reviewers have noted it.  Everyone KNOWS Stardock stands behind their games, so it can be assumed that the reviewers will be more than happy to redo the reviews if given an excuse (such as an expansion).

Now what to do to all those who became unwitting beta-testers?  Simple, give then the expansion by way of appology for the error.  Many, like me will not have issue at being used as a beta tester, but if the forums are any indication, there are others who are more pissed-off than dissipointed.  This will show them that their pain is noted and will be corrected.  Doing these things can salvage much of the situation.  Not all by any means, momentum and advertising have been lost, but much can be regained.

Chris.