[MajorEET]

I am with you all of the way. A game like this has so much potential, it is exciting to think of the endless possibilities. I think they hit the nail on the head with the concept of mixing Axis and Allies, and Risk, with Empire Deluxe. Empire Deluxe had the "turns to complete" for different unit types and a modifier for cities that were damaged. In longer games it got tedious as all get out. I like the simplicity of this game, but like you- I am excited and want to make it perfect for my tastes.
As for the time step between turns, I noticed a calendar up in the top left corner. My eyes are going bad and couldn't read it real well, but it looked like the years were clicking by when I played that 9 hour game yesterday.