I only skimmed through your posts Koni, but from what I read your idea sounds very similar to Allegiance. Have you ever played that game?
http://www.freeallegiance.org/
Space battles with one commander on each side researching technology, constructing facilities n stuff while all the other players fight in space ships. A map consists of several different sectors linked by gates. There's also bigger player controlled space ships on which players can be gunners n stuff.
Several different roles like scouts, bombers, ships to lay minefields etc. and several different factions with different traits and aesthetics.