I agree that RoR deserves more content. Basically I care about RoR more than about basic AoE 2, as I saw its counter rock-paper-scissors system better than in AoE 2. Also endless changes and adding new and new civilizations plus their countraintuitive unique units to AoE 2 is not good for me. I have tried also skirmishes in Chronicles, but did not like it much - so far.
Regarding old, not ported AoE 1 campaings: I have doubts that this is what I need. Just observe the difference between old campaigns and new Macedonian one, which is more rich to the options and sidequests. New campaings will be always superior in terms of content, dynamics, replayability, overall feeling. That’s why I would not care much about historic authenticity and story, I am more interested in mechanics. It would be great if I could get one huge and dynamic campaing that could be played on different difficulties and with a different players civilization too! Some events and reactions of AI players could be triggered by players civilization choice. Probably it could be made-up campaign simulated as wars for world’s territory, similar to turn-based strategies? This is how would a civilization fight against its neighbours first, then expand and fight with more exotic nations.
For me it is important to play with more opened tech tree civs (Palmyrans, Macedonians, Carthagians).
I did a lot of research about tech trees and basically I did not see much space for a new civilization now, unless new units are introduced. I would agree with slight changes, in reasonable scope - not like AoE 2 - so I am waiting for the heavy charior archer. 
Btw, I am more concerned about AI, as I have created my threat about that.