I think such a product would have great appeal.
Oleg back in the days hinted that he would have liked to expend Clod as an Air/Land/Sea sim. What you talk about (and I've played Eve Online) would expand on the previous concept.
I think that this would be a great direction in which to stear Clod. The business model would make more sence also.
Can you imagine:
Trains controlled by humans (for those of you that don't know... people actually by train simulators). NEW MARKET
Tanks controlled by humans - NEW MARKET
Ships controlled by humans - NEW MARKET
ETC. - NEW MARKET
I can just imagine running industries, building planes, ships, tanks, etc. to supply the front lines. Having to ferry airplane to the front line, etc.
It's a world of possibilities.
Maybe 1c could leverage the work that they did in other games, and make the 3D models/content available to Maddox games.... If you go the Pay to Play route, they would be able to pay some royalties in order to use the content...
So a different business model opens up a lot of possibilities.