I love where Elemental is going.. but it's just so not there yet sadly.
Agreed. A long way to go. IMHO, it needs:
Atmosphere - lore & immersion into the game world
Items - interesting item drops from vanquished foes, and much more variety in the shop, with magic items and rarities that appear from time to time. The ability to craft your own magical items, with the use of runes, midnight stones etc.. What actually is the point of midnight stones, currently?
Tactical Battles - far more involvement and the sense that you are in the thick of it, fighting for your life.
Economy - tax rates? Much better trade options and ways to use resources.
Dynasties - more depth, intrigue and subterfuge. Sovereign deaths and succession (please..!)
Naval combat - goes without saying.
AI - we all know about this.. + far more interaction and cultural definition between the factions.
Town planning - I want to feel that every structure that I build has a vital part to play in the growth of my settlement - and more difficult choices between building one thing over another.
Natural Wonders - to promote the scramble for territory, beyond simply fertile land and shards.
Random events - these would really help you believe that you were in a living world, with local/global consequences for each action.
I really believe that such things should have been in the game from day 0, but these are just my opinions of course. But I do hope that some/all will make their way into the game at some point in the future. 1.1 is a stepping stone that I fully support and believe in. Onwards! 