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