I'll just piggy back on this thread as to (1):

So I bought my first month.  I'm assuming if I pre buy two more months, I'll be considered a vet.  The only issue it seems is that my paid time has to overlap with the game going to Steam, otherwise I'll have to re-up until Steam opens?

Does that sound about right?

As a new player, teleporting isn't that big of a deal.  It is more tedious running missions on an island than it is to travel from island to island even without spark points.  The new system doesn't really affect me either.  Instead of two Alpha 1 spark points and one Alpha 2 spark point, I'll be reduced to 1 and 1.  That really isn't game changing from a new player perspective.

Admittedly, if I was used to have spark points all over the place and was used to sparking from one fortification to the next within mere seconds, then yea I can see how the change would be unwelcome.  But new players?  not so much.

If we end up not playing, the big reason will be the lack of population.

Is there any reason not to be specific?  Bottom line is it is your money not mine, so do what you want.

It says I have to "Research" the basic extensions.  It won't tell me what those extensions are though.