Finally, Ubermetoid, someone who thinks the same thing as me.
I'm of the opinion the whole 'Symptom of something bigger' was pre-drumming up of sales for FS3 if and when it happened. I don't think anyone really 'knew' what was going on, it just seemed to be rolling along in a nice atmospheric way, so they kept to the idea

A game isn't like a film, you never count on being able to develop a sequel. However, open-endings work everywhere

And can still leave options if needed.
Personally, I doubt [V] actually had any idea of where the story was going from there, possibly some of the FS2 developers drafted up some quick ideas in case the chance would come around, but I doubt anything was
ever set in stone
