That is actually one thing I really liked about both the FS and FS2 main campaigns: there was not much focus on individuals but rather on societies and institutions. I have seen many games that place way too much focus on some insignificant individuals who, by themselves, do not play any consequential role in the course of the storyline and whose solitary actions don't mean much in the big picture. There should be information provided on the upper-ranking military and political leaders and their actions, but I don't like having much emphasis on the ordinary people, except in masses.
cutscenes are cool but not necessary, MODs are nice but I don't need them, but good missions that bring you in and get you addicted like the regular FS2 campaign missions are a must!
Exactly; you can have a great campaign without any of the extras, but missions make up the core of any campaign and should always come first.

BTW if anyone wants properly designed and balanced missions instead of lots of mods, play the PI test release!:D