Well, a mix of the old strat system with the current may work. The Capital is in the back, where it belongs, with the old strat's (city, ords, etc.) will be up front. The only zone bases are for control of the outlying strats.
Something like this?
As for the OP, I agree. +1. Using your picture as example, if you removed the current zone system and the nits took 141, nits would be in a position to inflict a LOT of damage to the bish supply lines (even with gv's if someone was willing to take the time and risk). Nits would definitely get some fighting in, but only after some effort was put in as the bish may probably ignore it initially, until the nits have inflicted enough damage for them to feel it.