The best description I ever saw for MOO3 was on the official QuickSilver forums back when the game first released.
It was described as "MOO3 is a turd...with corn in it".
And that was a very apt description at the time.
I TRIED to like it. But unlike SE5, it received very little official post release support. I honestly cant speak to the mods and unofficial 'patches' that were released. I know enough people like Raapys have claimed that the game is not only playable but fun to actually make me consider picking it up every now and then (the local EB had it for $9.99 for a while).
But then I remember that description...a turd, with corn it...and I come to my senses and dont buy it.
Maybe some day I'll be jonesing for a space conquest fix enough to actually take the plunge again. SE5 has been a major disappointment for me, but I at least have hope that it will eventually be fun.