The only alternative I can see would be to remove most of the COs discretion and have the design CM allocate missions for both sides for each frame with the object of providing as good a fight as possible.
Can't say I like this idea...
Would turn SSO stale.
I like the suspense of not knowing the other side's plans. Only finding out during the frame where they focus their efforts, or where they send the reserves, etc. When I CO, for me its fun to be on my toes constantly, and adapt the original plan to counter the enemies move as the frame develops and their intentions/strategy revealed.