It's very simple to play chess using the Wii on a 2D interface which is really far better then a 3D one :)
My points are
1) A game must be made that can use the controller simply and effectively
2) A complex a game is not based on the amount of inputs but what you "DO" in the game.
To me a great game is one thats seems very simple at first but gets more complex and deeper as you get into it. Like a good book.
In Civ you start with one guy who you use to build one city...you don't have a load of options and it's really easy to do...and as you go on you get more units, options and cities. This is why it's one of best games ever made.
The point you are making with X3 is that the Wii isn't really great for direct ports of games that require loads of inputs, here I agree, but that is a different topic :)
"..just keep on trying 'till you run out of cake"