1. I linked to a Reddit poll that 89/574 (so 15.5%) preferred grids over hexes. I'm guessing there might be a misunderstanding because you didn't click through that link and I didn't clearly reference it as my source?
2. I hear you on cost/benefit and agree. I'd recommend a poll or something to see what people think. In my opinion if the game is rated zero to 10, this is a hard -1 to the final score. My opinion might be off in the weeds. Or it might be mainstream. It's possible you're applying resources to something you believe is more important, but that people who play the game disagree. I think I'm up to 32 in terms of successful missions in my latest saved game so be assured that my opinion on this has been refined; diagonals=non-diagonals is bad. Any improvement is welcome.
3. I vote yes near circles for ranging and sensors is a better game even if movement is not. The game is noticeably distorted around diagonals as it is right now. Your comment of "I don’t think that’s a game that would be good" in regards to diagonals=non-diagonals on movement only....I'm not sure how to respond to. From my perspective it would be an improvement. I take it you're disagreeing?