I agree that some new content, events or items would make more interesting. I know it's a tricky line to walk and the devs don't want to throw things off kilter. Some things I'd like to see are:

Server quests and treasure hunts based on ranks.

Mini-HHs, better than regular heroes but not as good as HH or Mars.

Buff items that affect individual heroes for 24 hours or 1 week, raise poli, int or att for only 1 hero, or could affect 1 aspect of a hero only; troop life, gold/food/lumber/iron/stone production, defence, fortification building, march speed etc.

Middy