The difference between this game and most other cell games is that in this game, each major battle has significant impact on the level, Wining a skirmish can greatly Cripple your opponent's military strength while losing one battle could mean the end of the level. The strength in numbers are very noticeable, sending 60 against 30 will guarantee you victory with at least 50 remaining, so the micromanagement is far more important than macroying your planets.
They are there. Most people never see them. Some do. Are you the one?