They seem to have lowered their expectations a little by now as the game seems to be 15 Euro ($?)to preorder it on their page now (normal version), so perhaps it might get added still.

Damn. Need to improve my search & scroll down skills. thx 4 the link.

If is gamyplay is as complex as the original X-Com? I'd consider it a worthy sacrifice of shiny modern GFX.

Not that I do not like watching shiny. But the replay/long-play value in most of these is usually next to non-existant.

My biggest "complaint" about xenonauts. What does it add to the original X-Com? So far, it's graphics, random maps and interceptor combat. Am I missing anything else? If it's only these, then no, $25 is too much for me, $20 means on promo I'll think about it. I don't think Xenonauts is a bad game, because it seems as if it won't be, but I don't see it adding anything new.
Would you buy BG EE for $25?

It streamlines the UI and removes a lot of the fiddly and pointless micromanagement. Also, you get a much better view of the battlefield thanks to a considerably higher resolution. Which is definitely worth $20 for me.

I generally don't have a problem with playing older games, but some aspects of the first X-Com are so terrible it makes the game nigh unplayable to me.

So as I said, it is more or less the same game as the first. Many people like and want that, and I'm one of those that also like (and applaud it). But for me the $25 is too much, the $20 is still a bit high, but depending on other things, I may consider buying it.
To each his own though, and in no way am I telling you (plural) not to buy it.

I didn't mean to imply you did. You just asked if you were missing something, and I think these improvements are too important to be lumped under "graphics". Feel free to disagree, of course.

(I don't even remember how much I paid for the preorder, as it was so long ago. Possibly the $20. Whatever it was, I thought it was worth it.)

BG EE? I just guess thats something to do with Baldurs Gate.

I do not think I would spend that for a improved BG; but its a very different type of game.

Actually yes. Its enough for me. I'd consider these the only things that could be improved on the orig. X-Com outside of a merger with Terror from the deep which is essential the same but underwater. IMO the gameplay & richness of these in the combination they are ARE already perfect. Adding a bit more modern to it is (again IMO) the only way to improve it.

Yeah that was a bit of drama.
Well I wouldn't go as far as to say it's unplayable, but I agree that TFTD/X-COM's interface hasn't aged very well, compared to the likes of Master of Orion 2 and Pizza Tycoon which were released at about the same time. Other than the aerial combat which I grew weary of fast, Xenonaut's an excellent remake of X-COM, improving on the less intuitive aspects like the clunky interface while keeping the gameplay elements untouched. That's all I ask for from an X-COM remake, really.

You can ask for a lot more actually.
Random events dealing with research, manufacturing, and soldiers (soldier was injured during training, he's out of duty for 5 days. Good thing is his max health has improved as a result).
More research options (do I just set those scientists to do their stuff, or can I try to use it in field once we reach the "Aim this way, shoot this way, gun may still explode" phase to learn more).
Mutually exclusive research options.
UFO loot that improves the effectiveness of one base building
Different (or random) alien hierarchy (imagine a game where the leaders of the invasion are Chryssalids, and the ethereals are the footmen).
More options for the tanks (like in the UFO:A? games, Core Unit, transportation mode, weapon systems)
There are quite a few ways that the original can be improved, and not only the UI. And best thing, most of those could be optional if properly implemented.

Again, just my 2 cents, I blame JA2 for all the things I'd like to see in UFO: Enemy Unknown (or XCOM: UFO Defense if you prefer).

Yeah I think those are reasonable too, but oh well. Chris has said they made the wrong decision when they chose that engine, so it's unlikely we'll see those things. Nonetheless I hope that by supporting Xenonauts, it'll motivate them to work on a sequel that throws all that you mentioned and the kitchen sink into the mix.

I would like to have it on GOG. There are so many action/adventure/puzzle games lately that a bit of strategy won't hurt. And I do not want to pay more than 20$ for it. And it better should be good.

This is my most anticipated game along side Wasteland 2.

This would be a great game to have on GoG (but i'll get it from Desura if it can't come here). The devs have approached GoG but there was some issue on the pricing, this is the thread that is discussed in:

http://www.goldhawkinteractive.com/forums/showthread.php/1292-GOG-com-relaunched-to-sell-also-indie-titles/page2

It would be a shame for GoG to not work out the issue, i have no problem on pricing for any game, if it is worth the money, it is worth the money. GoG adds value to any game just by being so customer friendly (no DRM, no fuss), but that need not be set as some 'cap' on what a Dev would like for their game (indie or otherwise). So i hope this issue can be resolved as Xenonauts is going to be a great seller.

Maybe not for a high price. I can imagine that 20$ is the maximum that Xenonauts is worth to most of its potential customers. But on the other hand I feel like GOG should not bitch too much about the price tag when they have little costs attached to the publication of a good game. I also hope the issues get resolved by both sides making compromises.