You kiddin me? Alien Rulers are excellent. Finally something that can put a dent in your squad, and unique “move after every move” mechanic, lead to some different and interesting decision making.
An only suggestion I might have, that perhaps those aren’t fights one is supposed to be picking without some major upgrades? The first mission I did was for Synedrion, at it was way harder then anything I did up to this point (and that includes raiding a lair).
Even so, I do agree that it feel unintuitive, that a unit can make more damage during your turn, then you can in his. Whenever, the mechanic is good or not however, I didn’t make up my mind yet. In my personal experience, it seemed fine.