It's a nice theory, but Blizzard has already given a pretty solid reason why they made WC III in such a manner, and it isn't so conspiratorial.

They happen to be in possession of two of the most esteemed RTS franchises in existance: Warcraft and Starcraft. Not only are their names very similar, but their gameplay was, as well. Pardo has specifically stated that WCIII was developed in a manner to distinguish the two franchises.

On the flip side, it has been specifically stated that Starcraft II will emphasize large force against large force encounters, with more complex, skill based strategy being the focus over single-unit RPG elements.

So, to summarize: they did it so that Starcraft and Warcraft could be real, distinct franchises, and not just two effectively identical RTS, with one featuring swords/orcs and the other space marines/lasers. 

1) Starcraft
2) Warcraft II
3) Command and Conquer 2
4) Company of Heroes
5) Starcraft

 Thanks for the info. SCII looks epic, and I can't wait to paly it.

Yep. Just for the record, Pardo and the lead designer of SC II (former lead designer for C&C) did interviews with 1up, and the information I've just talked about is in those interviews on the 1up show. Just in case you wanted to see for yourself or check my sources :p

1. Starcraft
2. Warcraft 3 : The Frozen Throne
3. ...
4. still nothing
5. Dune 2

I've played many very good RTS games ,but only those 3 left a permanent impression.

"""2. Warhammmer 40K: Dawn of War Diamond Edition (includes the original game and the two expansions)"""

==> u have to add the 3rd expansion coming (60+30+30+30 = 150 EUROS)with dark eldar !
+ add the "tyranid mod" (final release soon) and u have all the warhammer 40000 races playable.

Overall, this game is quite hard to play in multiplayer.
Since the ressources (gold/wood/gaz like) are mainly "territory domination" (more u spread on the map, more u get "money"), u have to be very aggressive to get/defend the "ressources" point !
Usually, you never reach the T3.
Some unit spamming was also completely imba before they decided to put some unit limitation.
(who saied Space Marines are imba ?)

""""1. Rome: Total War. Its on the edge of real timeturnbased, the battles are real time strategy however.""""

==> finally, someone to bring us what should be a WARGAME RTS
10 000 unit vs 10 000 unit = FIGHT !
sadly, the IA could be better and the multiplayer is laggy.
the recent "sequel" Medieval total war II was not really innovating ...

***********

personnaly, I played a lot with war3.
I enjoyed to meet a full nooby army and to OWN them with 3 heroes ORC levels 6 !
Later, Blizzard put some patch to limit the mass creeping.

Hmm...

Total War (loved the first three, my comp's too old for the fourth)
Command and Conquer
Dark Reign
Total Annihilation
WHFB: Dark Omen

Very interested in the new WH40k games, but my computer probably wouldn't run them.

it is a NOT new

it is the old warhammer 40 000 : Dawn of War (2004 release ?) that will receive ANOTHER (3rd...) expansion pack adding the dark eldar to the game.

1st winter assault : add the imperial guard (new race)+new unit+new campaign
2nd dark crusade : add the necron (new race)+add the tau (new race)+new unit+new innovating campaign

3rd : Soulstorm : add the darkeldar (new race)

(u can purchase all the expansion pack separatly, darkcrusade is even a stand alone...)

space marines+dark eldar+tau+necron+imperialguard+chaos+orc+eldar = 8 races OMG !!
(without counting the mods...) 

1. Lord Of The Rings Battle Of Middle Earth 2
2. Rise Of Nations
3; Age Of Empire 3

Those are pretty cool.

Medieval Total War. I was kinda disappointed in it. Trying World In Conflict. Its not that bad. Graphics look great :D. but gameplay mmmmmm.