I hope that combat is a work in progress, as run and gun with both enemies and yourself having the same speed isn't interesting nor fun. I could be in the minority here, but perhaps a different way of dealing with enemies, than just slaughtering millions of them yourself, while running backwards...
A tower defense touch? (factory has its own defenses, adding to the existing theme)
A strategy touch? (train / build mobile units that protect the factory)
A RPG touch? (development of a set amount of human/robotic defenders.)
There are many ways one could do that better.
As was said here, everything is work of progress indeed, lot of the game mechanics are just proof of concept.
The fight is dumb at the moment and we now it! It is just aspect of the game we concentrated least on.
As passionate player of Starcraft and go, I wouldn't let the game to have stupid fight in the final version (if we get to make it).
a)Tower defense touch is already there a bit, and we count on improving it
b) Automated train transportation is one of the stretch goals, mobile units (in rts way) are one of the plans for the late game we have been discussing and planning a lot.
c) One of the RPG elements is technology, as you can upgrade effectivity of existing structures, one of the stretch goal is to add RPG elements as well (something like achievements that have game effects).
Robotic defensers is also one of the things we have been discussing a lot lately, and might be added to the game soon.