Great question! Personally, I really like the AOE mechanics, and if slimmed down, I think those will work in a boardgame. Also, by giving it a AOE theme, the whole expirience becomes painte with all the good memories of AOE, which is always good 
Lastly, as you say, I think there is a huge comemrcial benefit.
But, I’m not the original guy who started this post, but the guy who is desgining a LEGO boardgame with AOE IP. Will love to hear the ideas you have though!!