My understanding of this element is that it possess two properties that make it different from ordinary wind techniques. Those two properties are what we should focus on in terms of how to advance the element and construct techniques that adiquately fit them. As well, we should work on the aspects involving it's strengths and weaknesses, and it's potential for combinations with other elements. Basically what I'm saying is, the advancement of this element should adhere to those above properties: The unique qualities of the element, strengthening it's abilities against its weak points and strong points, and complimentary abilities with other elements/skills.
The first of the two properies that is clear about the Empyrean Wind is that it gets rid of the oxygen particles within the wind. This is essentially what allows this wind element to be strong against Fire, however that's something already established. You mentioned in your CE submission about the process of how the particles are released. What that gives us is, a means of possibly manipulating the particles to a degree with the Emp Winds. What I mean is, the manipulation of this element is all about rotation of the winds and the rotations are what exclude and prevent the oxygen from getting inside the wind. What we could do is develop a way to direct the expelled oxygen for our own purposes. If we direct and manipulate the gas, we have another weapon to utilize.
The second aspect of this element is the replacement of cutting power with forceful ripping and tearing power. Without needing to explain this too much, we simply work on expressing that tearing power with the element. Since this is still a wind element, we have the prospects of combining aspects of the air and wind to give us another angle to work with as well.
As for the expansion on the strengths and weaknesses of the element, if we understand how to use and also defeat the element, we have opened up a wide range of possibilities to help us use it more. Understand how to defeat it and we know when, where and how to use the element better and minimalize the potential of getting over powered/out manuvored by our opponents. A basic example can be the general weak elements of this element: A-ranked Earth, Water and Ice. It tells us that, against Ice users or people who specialize in Earth Release or Water release, we should be cautious. However we also have to work on how to use this element to help us get around these weaknesses. Instead of yeilding to the stronger elements against it, we just need to redirect the path away of the techniques. Create supplimentary techniques that would prove harmful or hinder opponents if they use those elements.
With Combinations, we look at how the compliment the element. As I mentioned above, knowing the weaknesss of this element will allow us to better use it. If we know it's weak against A-ranked Earth, water, and ice, then the best combos would be the weakness to those abilities; Lightning and Earth. Also, with Ice release, you talked about the cooling down of the element, well the opposite of cold is hot, so Fire would be a very complimenting element if we can figure out how to use it in conjunction with this type of wind.
That's all I have for the time being <_<