Obviously we all like Warhammer Fantasy here, but everyone I know has a few gripes about the rules here or there. Or even entirely different elements they would see added to or removed from the game. So what are the ideal components of a wargame to you? If there were a perfect wargame, what would it look like?
For me an ideal wargame would be one that is consistently reviewed by the producing company and updated to fix rule inconsistencies/misinterpretations/errors. I love Warhammer 8th edition, but the rate at which FAQs are released is appalling. It would take GW very little effort to update their FAQ every month or two. So in my perfect wargame, the company would look after its game and customers!
I dare to dream of rules that are sufficiently well written that constant FAQ documents are unneeded. The rules would not be controlled by a single manufacturer of figures. The rules writers would incorporate as many different kinds of figures into their rules a they saw fit. Units of ranked troops would be represented by the stand or tray the figures stood on. The strength of the unit would not be based on the number of figures on the stand (12 figures might represent a unit of 40 or 60). Bigger armies with less figures. Figures on round bases would represent individuals 1:1. Figures on square cornered bases would usually represent multiple soldiers. Figures would not be required to be on particular, exactly sized bases.
I would love to see that too, but I don't see that ever happening in a complex wargame. The problem is that even if GW wrote clearer rules, there would still be a need for it. There are a lot of people that are constantly trying to twist and manipulate the wording of the rules to gain an unfair advantage. I've read some pretty ridiculous arguments over the years by people that clearly fit the label of "rules lawyer". But as the question asked for an ideal wargame, you are most definitely correct.
I forgot something: Freedom from Factions. I want to be able to create an alliance of Dwarves, Elves and Men... (or Drakes, Elephants and Lizardmen or whatever).
Firstly, I'd limit the maximum no. of units to 16 per side. Then I'd change the movement phase, so that mounted characters and units could jump over other units but could only move in an L-shape, whilst other certain specials could only move in diagonal line. I'd then enforce a strict monochrome paint style which would extend to the board, which would incidentally be free of terrain and adopt a uniform checked design to aid movement. Also, if your army general is removed then your opponent instantly wins. That would be my ideal board game. I forsee it becoming incredibly popular, with giant versions being installed in parks for the curious public.