If I haven't already said it, I agree this is not only a great game, but the shape of computer grand strategy, for pbem anyway.
Upon reading the Wargamer critique, they mentioned slow ship transit time. Since units represented are considered to be deliberately scouring their area for enemy, and thus the speeds make sense. perhaps a mode(like with subs) could be added for increased transit time at a cost of vulnerability to enemy attack. Alternatively, some form of operational movement could be afforded to ships, with either direct enemy attacks(when called for) made with additional advantage, or even ome kind of MPP loss when passing through raiders/subs.