by Uthred
Some observations:a) Perhaps you should complete the campaign, each episode of which introduces new mechanics, before you decide that "there are clear problems with the campaign design and balance"
b) If you don't like "all these upgrade nonsense" then why on earth are you playing a campaign the entire point of which is to introduce and include these modules?
c) You are conflating faction powers not being identically balanced, as indicated by the alliance costs, with factions not being balanced with one another. There's a good bit more to a faction than its ability.
d) Allying with the Rusviet player was a bad move on behalf of the Khanate player. That's a fault with the player not the game.
e) In the interest of pedantry, the rules say the campaign stars will have an important not a major impact on final victory.
f) If you aren't enjoying the campaign then yes you should stop playing.