Q5: Must Rebels "start from scratch" with construction of their facilities?
A5: YES. Sometimes it pays to be the bad guys. Rebs have to start from square one to give the game a more canon feel. RA has a slower start but higher power potential towards late stages of gameplay (when peepz are Level 4~5 everything).
Q6: When is the game going to officially "officially" begin?
A6: It has been 7 days since the launch, and I think people are still packing their bags, so the following Compromise Decree is in effect: "Official gameplay" will begin on April 1st (an Action Day), that is, players can move around and attack each other at will. The time from NOW until THEN is considered BONUS time which players can use to begin constructions, travel offworld to hire NPC units, or do anything else, so long as it is non-agressive towards another player character.
Q7: Do you NEED a Leader unit to build a Cell/Depot?
A7: NOT EXACTLY. While Cells/Depots can be built on the same world with an Ops Base/Palace without restrictions, any offworld Cells/Depots must be "planted" by Leader units OR your Player Character.
Q8: Will Player Characters have to abide by the same "mission requirements" in Expansion/Resistance missions as Leader units do?
A8: YES. Player Characters must construct the Cell/Depot (at purchasing cost), and must have PRESENCE on that world (either through another Hero unit or by leaving a contingent of starships behind) to see the construction through.