I'd have preferred to keep it as it was. Having headquarters to myself or my party and being able to pop for new orders whilst in a lobby. Otherwise they've fixed the matchmaking and waiting times.
Myself and my clan are really enjoying War as an alternative MP mode. It's great. Very satisfying when you win close games with a last ditch push or a solid organized defence.
I've only briefly tried War. It didn't really work out, because it was a completely uncoordinated team, so we got nowhere. I can see it being great with a properly organised effort.
Agree with you about HQ. It still seems largely pointless. 1 vs 1 is a mild diversion, but I have yet to witness an AA gun event. Don't know if they're even switched on.
If they stuck order selection into the main menu, there wouldn't be much need for HQ at all.