Yet again I agree with flippz.
Hitech your application or non application of something in the game impacts game play. Whilst 'forces' may be too strong a word it can certainly guide the gameplay. Of course you are in a difficult position because not everyone is going to like the direction you guide the game.
In this discussion, which has been had over and over and over before, your use of large maps with 'long' times to combat due to base spacing combined with dropping participation numbers is not attractive to players like me who really only want to furball and so it is a major reason why so many players who preferred that style no longer play.
Question is what is 'long' and how long is too long? I agree with Tongs, radar rings touching or nearly touching with supporting bases in depth were areas where I had most fun. The map with the large estuaries and spread out bases was almost certain to see me log out.