The interface allows you to select a unit without having to hunt around the board for it.
I like that.
So is this game really a collaboration with Battlefront? Is Battlefront creating a faster playing game but trying to keep the CM brand specific to a niche of players?
Is this game a testing ground for the upcoming CM2? Is the reaction system seen here, again a hint of CM2?
Am I speculating too much?

Anyhoo, if Battlefront is out to sell a variation of CM and rake in some more cash, cool.