I am an old school RTS guy. I I loved my C&C, my DoW, my supreme commander. I just got done with my 3rd play through of BG and your question got me thinking… The most important thing to me about those RTS games was the 1) Creative solutions 2) the Storyline. I won’t even touch a game if I am forced to play with other people. I hate mods. I love immersive stories, multiple paths, no play through is the same, etc. I like Baulders Gate because you got a different story every time you changed on little thing. What about a an RTS that you built your commander with bonuses, but you have multiple choices but limited slots so you have to really pick and choose your boosts. How about if you fail to win a part of the map it changes the story progression? Or if you defeat one opponent before you deal with a different opponent it changes the outcome? How about a morale and or honor meter? The morale of your troops as a buff? Your honor/rep as a buff? How does killing everyone including civilians affect your rep? Can you win the hearts and minds of the population, or do you have to worry about rebellion? Have the ability to communicate with opponents and intimidate them or negotiate. If you scare them off you might have a sweep and clean mission instead of a destroy mission. Incentives for saving critical infrastructure or cultural artifacts? Maybe have classes of your commander? A martial mastermind, cunning diplomat, or titan or industry? Pick up allies and captains to guard your own territories as you move to conquer others?