Looking at some of the hell scary players I see posting here perhaps I might have to agree. I've met some of these guys when I was playing TI3 Wiki and guys like Mike, Fastfingers and Sigmazero are guys I look up to as amazing TI3 players.
Maybe FFG might need to think about this post!
For those looking to spice up their race options and variants, obviously try the wiki. There are many fan-created themed sets of races; Star Trek, Dune, Starcraft, Babylon 5, Stargate, etc.
Here are some pictures of tiles/starting units.
http://www.ti3wiki.org/index.php?title=Tile_Gallery
As far as I know there is at least one game going of each of the above groupings. We always love fresh blood on the wiki, so please come join us to collaborate on other good ideas and to play in some themed games or heavily varianted games.
For those of you looking for all of these changes talk to Lance Harrop. He's got tons of playtested ideas including religious leaders and an accordion strategy card set, most of which we've been using for a really long time. Try out the Elder events/aid deck for something to really mix it up. I'm sure most if not all of this is up on BGG.
There's not much reason to not release an expansion, if FFG isn't they should really let someone release a third party authorized expansion.
The Dune variant is good.
I have also created Starcraft, Starwars, and Stargate variants (with some help from some awesome and dedicated players).
And they have made TWO notable spinoff games from this universe already:
Magblast
Twilight Armada
Both are older, Magblast 2nd edition is OOP and the 3rd edition is no longer TI themed, and TI Armada is also OOP but still available used on ebay and other similair sources.
For the record, i own Magblast 3rd edition and it's good fun with the right people, never played Armada though, but it sounds fun and is very customizable.
im my opinion the game is very muc complete. only refinement is required
any expansion will result in a shatterd empire style box contaning:
newer rules.
an new FAQ lol
a 2-4 races
new strategy cards,,,
and new decs
new plastic- white, PINK (with a race for the ladies lol), bronze color.
shattered accention in ti3wiki is getting alot of attention so perhaps if u cant wait look there