A real time combat engine (distinct from a RTS engine) is, in fact, a vast improvement to the 4X aspects. eXterminate is the 4th X, afterall. The combat engine is the most critical aspect of this X. If it sucks, the whole suffers. The primitive combat mechanics in SEIV (not even a basic initiative system!) have always been a failing point... Just compare to something like MOO2 and you shall see. Of course, at least they are no frickin Civ!
