The #1 thing we need right now, is more continents. If we could just double the number of conts we could begin to play with Global strategy. As it is, there is no Global picture, because each cont is completely separate.
We need a Sanctuary so that raids can form up without it being known where they are going.
Home Continents are necessary and provide a purpose to defending ghost caps. Not just because it's your homeland, but by connecting the continental system with a warpgate lattice, you can actually flank an empire by the route you take across the
planet.
I'm no artist, so forgive the basic picture. I would love all ten, but this is just a model of how it would look with 6 continents. As you can see, there are routes determined through a Warpgate Lattice. You could be on Cyssor and your home cont gets attacked, so you pull back what you need.
Now, should an empire receive a penalty if their Home Cont is "occupied"? Being occupied means another empire completed, or CAP'd your Home Cont. If they do, it is considered occupied until your empire can completely CAP it back. Occupying another empire's Home Cont should also grant some sort of benefit.