In short, for all factions without exception, there is (and sometimes more than one) a development path that doesn't rely on the Super Ability – most often, players don't focus on this Super Ability not only because it's difficult to obtain, but also because the game ends much earlier (levels 15-20, or even sooner).

Otherwise, your views are quite consistent with the time you've spent studying the intricacies of the game – a little later, as you gain more experience, they will change in the most unexpected ways.