No worries, I won't limit access to Brainers. The cash is a good limiter as it is (in the XCOM economy model). That rescuing people stuff isn't meant as a game balance change, just extra flavour.
Now then... E.1 released, and inside, a surprise of mad science... Space Missions are finally a thing. Just don't freak out... they never meant to be easy. Check the change log, also check how to update your saves - the transition to 'choices' system is complete, with 4 unique Ventura-like crafts (no separate maps yet, tho - just recolor). Have fun, and I'm scaling down the mod developement till after Christmas.