I' play, I think the idea has merit.

If you still have niggling doubts about a theme, as you said the theme is huge so why not go intergalactic. Each hex as a solar system and nodes as worm holes or stargates.

Great freemium suggestion. "I wanna play more games! I can't win this one! Let me out!!!!!!!"

Also you think a game should be over (or possibly be voted over) in 8 rounds? I've, figuratively, barely got my shoes and socks on by eight rounds. I'm just about heading out the door by round 40 ...

A feature in each game where every active player can vote for a winner. If all votes are unaniumous the game ends with a declared victory immediately.

Up to you how you work it but a tick box next to each players name to vote for them as a winner. Each player would also be able to see a display ...