In a worst case scenario, if the mission theater does become a niche arena that fails to grab the contiunous numbers (as with the CT), it would still be useful for frequent, regularly scheduled events like a self-sustaining TOD or CAP. The mission community could arrange their time, squad nights, etc. to take part on euro-friendly or US friendly events several times per week.
I like furballing (my outlook is frankly a lot like Laz's), but I also really enjoy an organized scenario. The problem with the CT is that more often than not, IMO and experience, it is a MA light with less action. If I knew when the CT was going to be populated, and if it was more scenario in focus as opposed to the same base capture concept on historical maps, I would adjust accordingly and play there more often. The same with the mission theater.
Charon