Maybe cause we are spoiled with FS2 beams? Anyway this looks promising sokeep us updated! I am not interested int eh main game BUT your efforts are making me seriously consider getting HW2 retail.. What I would like t see is Relic gettin gsmart and making a better tool set. Like FRED easy drag and drop window like GUI for quick and easy mission /ship selection and total customization... That would be such a huge boost to RTS...
For now the best RTS for space are ArmadaII (Quickbattle) and SFCIII for just those reasons!
Not matter what the advances made for game or graphics, unless you have the option of moddibility and customization you are doing that game a dis-service. Aside from extending the replay value immensely, you are also increasing the FUN factor!