> Professional SC looks to me more like it is being played on the basis of quick reflexes and drilling build orders quickly in a sense closer to an action game where you control a lot of units rather than "strategy" as such, perhaps tactics is a better word.
That's a naive view. Flash, the best Starcraft player ever, was not known for being a particularly fast player. What makes him so good is his decision making. It's not just how fast you play, but WHAT you spend your limited attention on that separates a champion/pro-player from your average top-tier player. Also, the fast-paced nature of Starcraft is incredibly engaging for the viewers--there's always something to focus on, from the large big battles, to a small harassment play, to armies simply jockeying for position.
That's a naive view. Flash, the best Starcraft player ever, was not known for being a particularly fast player. What makes him so good is his decision making. It's not just how fast you play, but WHAT you spend your limited attention on that separates a champion/pro-player from your average top-tier player. Also, the fast-paced nature of Starcraft is incredibly engaging for the viewers--there's always something to focus on, from the large big battles, to a small harassment play, to armies simply jockeying for position.