I like the slower pace but I wish the inbattle research had not been taken out. It added a layer of strategy and tactics to choosing where and how to use research points. You could adapt on the fly to an enemy, or surprise them with a new ability mid battle.
Perhaps a middle ground could be reached, inbattle research available, but not as powerful as research from the campaign map. Also, costs (both in time and recruits) could be larger.
Really enjoying the game so far, glad I bought in, can't wait for the single player campaign.
