I don't know why, but I feel strangely compelled to add my opinion to this thread. Disregard, if you'd like.
All it takes for me to be disappointed in this game is to read back through the old Dev Journals and to take stock of the big and interesting ideas that were slated for the game, and then to play (even 1.1) for 30 or so turns. I think that there are easily 20 mechanics that just didn't make the final release for whatever reason. Stardock has said that they felt the game was finished. I take them at their word on that, and I know how hard it is to see things clearly when the person giving the green light is in the trenches developing the game.
Arranged marriage providing for succession and division of defeated factions? Believe it or not, this was planned at one point.
Interesting economy mechanics? Again, this was discussed seriously as being in, though it wasn't a "definite" like the above.
Tactical battles? This has been discussed to death, but again, some great ideas that were never implemented.
Dungeon exploration? Hell, it even says this on the back of the game box.
Morale? It was in initially, but removed for 1.1. I think that this was a big loss (or could have been with better implementation).
The list does really go on and on- if you don't believe me, just browse through the early journals yourself.
I understand that scope must be limited by budget, and all the issues of developing a new engine. So, what is my point in bringing all of this up? I'm not sure, but I have a vague impression that this game was just the victim of high expectation. This was partly our fault, and partly Stardocks fault, as talked-up and full of big ideas as it originally was.
So, I don't think it's unreasonable for the fans to ask for this or that, considering that the dev team has asked for fan feedback, as long as everybody understands that, if the devs don't like an idea you've proposed, it's just not going to go in. I don't see too many people that don't get it, although there are some.
My two cents, for what it's worth. That and 1.48 will get you a cup of coffee.