A mix of EAW and Rebellion would best in my opinion. If you see how great EAW turned out when Ultimate Empire At War or some other mods are applied to it. The game could have been so much more. However change the galaxy map to turn by turn and expand on the techrace, building, char-actions and diplomacy. -> Expanded upon Rebellion. Now that would be the best of 2 worlds. Actionwise, graphicwise i loved EAW, the cinematic mode was great fun. Rebellion on the other hand had macrolevel options all worked out. And off course a far bigger galaxy map. (though more and more mods are adding planets)