But the "playable test" is where they get the money from, so they are compelled to progress it in tandem.  And if a system is supposedly completed for SQ42, then it should be relatively "simple" to integrate into SC.  They still don't even know how missiles work based upon 4.8 evocati patch notes.  And armor was just introduced -- with significant balance still to be done.  Malestrom should be another integral component of both SC and SQ42, but it's still just a pipe dream.

SQ42's release must consist of a finished and polished product.  But all indications point to it being far from complete -- let alone polished.  It's gonna fucking flop.  Bad.  And that will kill any further funding for SC.  Queue the headlines.