The release date of the expansion pack is approaching.

My patience didn't last long :D

the problem is that the question itself is not quite correctly formulated here...

this is a subjective opinion

"What changes would I choose?"

the base for this version doesn't necessarily have to be ToE (The Eastern Expansion).

If there is a desire to discuss the differences between SoD (Stronghold of the East) and ToE

There is a desire to play SoD with the ToE interface.