Just wanted to post that I have been playing a couple of games of elemental with version 1.0.8, and really enjoying the game. I've been a beta tester forever, but I have to say that if I had bought the game as it is now without having been through the beta cycle, I would not have been disappointed. I feel like the pacing and gameplay is really coming together.
One of the things I like about 1.0.8 is that things have slowed down a bit, and it takes a while for your empire to start coming together. I also feel like the tactical battles are getting more balanced.
Thanks to Stardock for creating this game, and also for dealing well with the crazyness on this board.