I would like to see Morale more of an issue but not so much that it makes playing the game unfun. One idea I really liked from Distant Worlds was 'Regional Capitals'.
Your Capital will extend its influence out so many hexes and this can and will mitigate Morale. As you climb upwards in types of Government you get access to these Regional Capitals. They simply extend the mitigating influence from that planet like your primary capital does. Of course you would need to build a building on said planet like you do the 'Missionary' Center.
Too late for Gold for this but I think its a great idea for a DLC that can be added later for 'Governments' and make Morale something that should be micro'd as well but not a great deal.
Micro is why we like this games, some like lots some like little and me I am somewhere in between.
Happy Wednesday!