My fav memory is probably reading this interview sometimes in early 2012 - this is when i realized how Rebellion might be much better game than vanilla Sins, with lot of exciting new stuff. And it turned out to be true.

http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/sins-of-a-solar-empire-rebellion/1217222p1.html

Another moment was during the beta phase, when someone figured out how to play Vasari faction, despite them being not available to play yet - so i finally got to see Vorastra ingame or try the early Darkfleet beacon tech - at that point it would literally call in entire 2000 fleet supply of ships to the Titan position, lol. Good times.

I wish so much Sins II would make to feel that kind of curiosity and excitement with the new stuff its going to introduce, i really havent feel that way about any RTS game since then. Did not happen so far with Tech Preview, then again there are no Titans or Superweapons and hopefully lot of other new, yet unseen stuff - and to be fair, TEC are bit bland to play for me. I need my Vasari Loyalists!