Yeah, I understand that three factions is the optimal number for game balance. If you keep it that way, you can totally unbalance the force threatening the Vasari, which stays true to the lore.
The campaign thing is good news. I hope to see more of that great 'universe' art that emphasizes the scope of power for the factions.
I also hope that many of the realistic features make it into the expansion: promoting a high level capital ship captain to Fleet Admiral for gravity well bonuses, variation in planet size, moons, more space phenomenon, new defense options(orbiting minefields, surface to space missiles, small orbital battlestation, etc), and other stuff(subterfuge?).
Good job constantly working to improve things. This is one of those games where I purchased the title before the later Gold version, due to the fun factor and the work put into fixing bugs early, and won't mind spending a few bucks extra to pick up the expansion at a later time.
