@julian unit types are hidden until they fight. the scout needs to know which unit is the actual enemy's base, and if it makes a mistake, it will die. Also, yes the base can be simply covered by any other unit. Scouts only move in a straight line.
Zone of Control is a GREAT idea, I will look into that. It may come into upcoming versions of the game, but it will need to be play tested first.
The current rule-set has been play tested with a couple friends for over 250 games and was designed with balance in mind. Try a few games, play a best out of 7 with someone! (like me)