Great analysis. Now onward to a Constructive Critique, on how to make the LotAncients much better and less confusing. Maybe? 
Small things, like finding one Epic Weapon or Gear type, and not being able to find a Blueprint Mission, or another drop are driving me crazy. Sure, I can see a Game Balance reptile skulking around that thought. So make a squad that uses only Epic Weapons, fool!
Been there, done that, and the travel times where that squad is most needed, precludes a victory in most cases but the End Game. Make them expensive as heck to manufacture, if you mist. But at least give us that option to choose, please. 