My another idea is the management levels. Maybe others have discussed it but it seems difficult to search the topic while the suggestion point list is not completed.
Some players like macro management. By spending money, assigning agents, and ordering generals, signing the documents, the empire is built. On the other hand, some players enjoy micro management. They would like to design and build each cities, write down all laws, involve all fightings (and hence all combats, battles, wars). Cesar, The Sims, Mount&Blade,...etc, they are willing to control every singel movement of governor and his/her family members. Eating, hunting, killing, . .. .. .. .ing, sleeping, and last from the very first King to the endless generations.
So, I think it may possible to set the different management levels, arrange roles from different class, gender, and race to play the game, in all dimesions.
The level should be shift easy. For example, using a manage page to show different levels such as top governing, area management, individual management.
Here comes the concept of social class. Upper class role can choose all levels, or you can choose upper class in all levels. Grass root, has no chance to management, it accepts the job from rulers, or the direct reporter. Yet this poor guy still has a chance becoming a hero if completing many important missions (like playing the action games).
The times of couse are different in different levels. It is unecessary to hold the turn base mode, but it should allow it in all levels.
The important events and fiist family news should be recorded as a part of history. Then you can make a great person or even make many great people youselves.