And let's not forget PPT's stellar rockstar team as well as their massive first mover advantage.  They are ready to release their Beta and who are their competition at this point?
Hive couldn't have chosen much of a more difficult monster to take on than Populous.  Let's face it.  Everyone is expecting massive things from Populous.  Everyone.  Just read the posts, listen to youtube channels, any articles... it is always positive which is a good thing for one's investment.