Great article. I had a similar experience recently where I was eager to dive back in, but then I quit and went to play something else.

My reasons are probably roughly similar to yours, although I actually enjoy scoping out an area beforehand with the binoculars. This is partly because I like to strategise in advance and think about the approach I'll take. But your point about the enemies being permanently marked from the outset is well taken.

In terms of things I'd want to see changed or improved...it's hard to say. I haven't played the game in a long time, but one thing I found super frustrating was the way in which your base could be attacked even when you weren't playing the game. I get the concept, and I think it's a nice idea in theory, but I don't think it was executed quite right.

Aside from that, I can't think of many things I'd change off the top of my head.