Yes, it was Swift. And there are some good ideas here...
1) Option to just blast the hell out of a planet rather than 'invade', decreasing output, morale, population.
%) Option to "Blockade", using regular fighter ships or special ships? Reduces to 0 all output to opponent's empire.
a) Option to research/develop DEATH STAR. Boo yah!! Ultimate EVILE!! Completely wipe out planet, with across-the-board negative consequenses for one's relations with other empires. IF this were to be implemented, it would have to have an effect on 'negotiations' with the other races.
Note that none of the above would require transports full of marines.
also, re: troops deducted from population. Ummm....your marines are people, no way around that. Now, if we wanted a 'cyber-troop' option somewhere on the research tree...NON-HUMAN troops...that would be cool, and not deducted from the planteary population. OR...artificial genetic creations, 'grown' from organic material. OR...ZOMBIE MARINES!!...undead, of course, NOT taken from your population...okay, maybe that's a bit out-of-genre....