Zathabar9

Anyhow lest you think all I do is complain: Here's a few suggestions from being a brand new player for a few weeks now.
{Oh yes I did take the time to read through the entire thread before posting this}

1) Alliance defined tasks. As an adjunct to the global challenges. Maybe leaders/so leaders can set Alliance challenges IE
*Capture +10 sectors in a week for a reward..!* Now the rewards would be donated by the Alliance membership and could be a way to trade special artefacts in a limited fashion perhaps 

2) Alliance static defences. SO we get territory eh! Great, how about  each alliance could contribute RESOURCES to build a mobile defence tower that auto attacks non allies in its range.... Doesn't have to be a big attack just a repeated one. But the point is if all members in that area were AFK they would get a bit of general help against a sneak attack rather than just relying on their turrets.

3) Hidden resources. How about a Res tile appears of an unknown type until you scout it? Might be a good one might not but be a super rare item who can say. Just add a bit of spice (and a reason to actually use scouts) into the game