Early Observations/Thoughts

[MajorEET]

I agree with your observations. Very well thought out and written.
I especially like your idea of distinguishing the different tech levels of units by having different icons for them. That would also serve to make the upgrading more visually gratifying.

I haven't even built a surveillance aircraft yet, although I have lost units in combat to the enemies AWACS.
I am figuring out that the tactical combat map is very much a chess board.