Caused by this:
Fixed stale savegame data persisting (both server- and client-side) after disconnections or emergency quit
Then it would look like all the other chickens.
No, I’m not using any of Steam’s networking features (because it would not be cross-play compatible otherwise)
No
This.
There’s a game browser.
No. Host starts, and others join whenever. If you have an organized game, just pause it immediately until everyone connects.
No, but I guess there could be.
Squadrons have no bearing on multiplayer (yet?)
This, eventually. Currently, only the host gets anything.
No. Well, you can start a Double Team mission, but that’s par for the course.
The in-game chat function from previous episodes also works in CIU
Do you mean “when Early Access ends, will you lose your progress unless you have a CHL?”
No, everyone gets to keep their progress.
No, you only see your own language. Well, I hope. Try it out and report results here.
Yes. The guitar is a strong point.