So . . . you really do need to read Betrayal of Ideals since it answers some of your questions.
Anybody ever have a list of what/where the last sighting of disappeared units where? Anyone else think disappeared mercs become a new sort of 'protectorate militia'?
OK, I'll put it on my lengthy research list.
I would like to point out something, possibly painfully obvious. There are a lot of factions, groups and bands running around on the big map and through the timelines. There is simply not enough Dev time to address everybody's favorite faction. What's the takeaway? I've found that there is one effective resource, the most important, that can carry your faction into the next source book, or canon story, and that's you.
We're talking about WoB here, but I think the principle sticks. For instance, a particularly noteworthy unit, (and I ain't gonna lie, I keep the Eridani Light Horse on life support), might merit a mention in the next source, because there is enough interest on the forums, or in conversation in the CGL break room, to merit an encyclopedic entry with a bit of flavor. So, for instance, I get an honorable mention of another glorious stand by my beloved Light Horse on Hesperus for the Dark Age, WoB and Wolverines get diddly-squat.
Is this because there are still people here lobbying for them, or even telling stories? I'd like to hope so.
To quote Willy Wonka, "Who's going to take care of the Oompa Loompas?"
So, I think in many cases, that quote from Pardoe makes sense, if this is the takeaway, if you don't want your patient to die, get in there and reveal some of that glory needed to secure their place in the official history. This is, sort of, how I imagine how the roles of writer and player inter-operate on a practical level.
Does this mean I'm going to get my story about the Eridani Light Horse's righteous war on Defiance Industries for locking them out, to die at the hands of the Crusader Clans, in the 3140s? Possibly, but I might have to be willing to write it myself.I think this applies to the WoB, and the Wolverines, as well. That's all. If we can even solicit a fan fiction, regarding them, it can help move them out into the light.