YES, we all have preferences. And expressing those preferences does not necessarily make someone a 'fanboy,' (whatever that is? -sounds pejorative).
I enjoyed the GalCiv2 journey. GalCiv2 / w the 2 expansions was a great game in its time. Sometimes the 'random' events create truly challenging situations. In one game, the really nasty species, (i forget the name), received a special event that magnified/increased their 'influence.' Massively. Players are scrambling just trying to keep their bordering colonies from defecting. The whole strategic balance, etc shifted. It was a great ride, a wonderful challenge, etc.
SotS is a fantastic game, and I enjoy it. its a tough game (for me) as i still have difficulty with the 3D map. The 3D environment is wonderful.
I also enjoy DW. Its the game I play most often right now. It has a great story line (well, actually 2). The ability to customize the gaming environment is excellent. I can play in a small galaxy, automate many functions, but keep control of ship design, R&D, combat, etc. Since I am adverse to RTS, (avoid arthritis in you fingers, dear ones, if you can...), DW is the only game with RTS that I can enjoy - its not (necessarily) a clickfest). Each game has cool effects, strategic challenges, a learning curve thats fun to flatten, etc.
That being said, I await SotS2. I don't play galCiv2 anymore as it is too easy to win even at max levels for AI. I do play SotS and DW+.
Which is the superior game? Depends on how much of the game you have mastered, what your preferences are, and, most importantly how much the user can truly customize the gaming environment.
humor alert >>>> BTW, my lasers don't go 'pew pew.' And I feel sad. My lasers are so quiet! The crews on my ships report the laser batteries make a funny sound when charging and firing at the enemy. The holo vids of space battles have silence when lasers fire. Exploding ships are quiet, as well. What can I do to get laser that go 'pew pew?' And can I change the sound to have them go 'zap zap?' <<<< end humor alert