Not even in a 2.5 version, somehow?
SD devs and designers can decide whatever they must and it's obvious some stuff has higher priorities (in *their* mind, though) - and since, i'm sure 99% of all active players do have a wish or two for that wonderful game as it is, mine might as well be posted right here for them to consider or not.
I'd say it is time to either announced a potential GC3 (with all new features - possibly mine included!) or simply, stick to the formal engine and concepts while addressing people's *easy to fix* concerns.
But, i'm no SD owner. Based on my relatively wide experience of gaming and current overall trends in 4X
rare titles - i'd go as far as to insist modern hardware WILL nevertheless support extensive 3D renderings in real-time very soon, if not that some are already.
Triple-CPU-Core-Layers me a heck_of_a_ride in real space (ala, SinsofEmpire, btw) -- please and into GC_2.09999 or eventually *THE* third version.