Good Conquest, save one thing

This isn't new. I feel like it is the old normal. It's just that the more recent ones haven't been doing this. I was honestly very surprised Stranger wasn't required for the last round.

The other thing I noticed is that globals are back to 15 instead of 18. So I'm not sure if this is a mistake, or a thing they were only doing for Satele. Last Conquest in general it felt like they really, really wanted people to red crate.

As you say its minor as you can easily skip her feats.

They've always put feats on new characters be they normally released ones or recent conquest units.

Its also not really ramping up monitisation when she is available for free. 

So yes you are paranoid, particularly as this is a very easy Conquest (and yes I skipped her feat):

Perhaps monetisation wasn't the correct term, but there's definitely been a more substantial emphasis on the latest units in recent times, no? I'm just fearful it'll get worse and I'll be left behind

Conquest has always been like this, to be honest. It doesn’t seem any worse lately than before, to me. 

They always add the latest new shiny to conquest.  At the same time, minus a few new shiny characters being added, a lot of it seems like procedurally generated laziness.  

If you're having trouble with something in particular, check out BitDynasty as he does walkthroughs of each sector with various teams.