Exploring and finding old ruins to give...

The same idea as random events (meteor showers) but for technology and progression in the game.

For example, in Civilization, you stumble upon tribal huts, which grant bonuses to technology, settlers, advance units, etc... Another example is Shogun. Shogun has random bonuses during a turn, which can increase food supply or make your units stronger.

I know BAD random events are a no go, but what about GOOD ones or at least exploring the galaxy and stumbling upon ancient ruins to give some random bonus?

So will there be something along the lines of this in PA?

I don't know if there are many bonuses that could be fairly given. I suspect the closest thing here will be reactivating the space stations.

So more like C&C Red Alert 2: capture oil derricks and profit?

so capture ancient facility ---> create solar flare ---> Huge EMP from the sun --> Profit

"So then I had all this money I made and then the problems started."

"What was that?"

"Well it turns out this paper stuff isn't very good armor for my tanks, and the Engineers refused to work until I recognized their union..."

I could go on, but I think I've done enough damage

Probably not. It's still random.

I think they need some thing like this in GW. like 2 moves a turn, protect a solar system from attack (not the one that gives this ability). if there is nothing like this the Galaxy may have well been a interface for the lobby/skirmish thing.