Since the purpose of Beta, as stated, was to get feedback, I feel I should oblige.  I was pleasantly surprised by the announcement that this game was coming, and very pleased it was offered to me free (I am a purchaser of the original who stuck through several patches then abandoned ship).  THank you for the very generous spirit illustrated by this highly classy move. 

Fallen Enchantress is a much better game.  Elemental, along with the technical faults, did not engage.  FE does.  I care about the progress made and the characters involved.  That was your best fix, but sorry, no I cannot point you to a reason for the difference.  Overall quality of presentation would be my best guesstimate. 

A few suggestions having played pretty deeply into a game but not through one yet.  The factions need better identification on the map, either through more distinct colors (I tried to take several allied cities until I realized they were Pariden not Resoln), tool tips, border announcements or something.  The city defenses should be a little more robust, although the teleporting army spell makes a large empire more defensible. 

Thanks for all the effort.  I really appreciate it.