I just got done playing the newest version. Overall I really liked this, great work on it.
I have no. problem with a GTVA does better in BP type scenario.
One minor issue is I think the ending could have been just a tad bit more conclusive.
The game says the Elders have requested an armistice and IIRC the final briefing says the Feds gave up. However, there is mention made of the subspace ship (Maritreya sp?) and the UED Eris still being active. I'm not sure whether that means they're going to try for an active guerilla resistance or they're just trying to run away. If this was meant to be the end of the war, or at least major operations, then the subspace ship or the Eris at least should have been destroyed probably. Maybe in the final main mission where the Atreus comes in to secure the node the Eris could have came in and got destroyed as a distraction to let the node/subspace ship escape. IMO, having both of those still in active opposition doesn't feel like a complete end of the war like the true final mission (scanning stuff) tried to portray.
I'm going to presume that the UED Solaris surrendered; correct me if I'm wrong there.
Also, I'm not sure what was meant in the final briefing about Steele wanting to meet with the Elders. If the UEF surrendered and is giving up its sovereignty (the GTVA said "you're our countrymen now"), what is there really to discuss? In addition, you said the node ship was still there as a "trump card". To me, "trump card" implies a winning measure. If the UEF is truly beaten, I'm not sure they can fully negotiate with Steele as equals. Now the node ship is an important tool, but saying "trump card" sounds like they're not fully surrendering.
I think you could keep the spirit of what you said but also make it a bit more conclusive with a minor text change. It could say something like "They still have their node destabilizer ship out there. While not able to penetrate our node blockade on its own, they might be able to use it to get less harsh terms from Steele."
I apologize if I'm misunderstanding things somehow.
You say you want to leave space for the BP team to possibly finish BP, but I don't think they'd be bound by your campaign so you're free to do what you want (and so are they).
Again, this is a relatively minor quibble about the ending. I really liked it overall.