I agree.

: Quantity of Halo isn't an issue to me :) The universe itself is still
: thriving from my perspective, but I think their focus is too thin with the
: amount of story they're pushing out... widen the spectrum a bit, appeal to
: various story genres, and hire some very very skilled writers (appropriate
: to the story genre).

They'd need a lot of writers if they widen and deepen because that's a lot of story.

The default UNSC position is Nylund's creation. Travis is associated with the ant-Halsey/default position. maybe bring both on board to help pen a ME style story where the player gets to shape the halo verse.

There is plenty of scope for character conflict and its also not obvious how each character would act.

For example:

• Serin Osman - she is head of ONI which is a major player and would oppose the Chief if he went against the UNSC's policies. Yet she has also been a victim of those policies.
• Halsey was convinced of the need for those policies but has come to regret her part in the Spartan program and is, currently, at odds with the UNSC. Does she still see the necessity of opposing the innies? Does she put that above temporary self-interest?
• Tom likes the Chief. He is captain of a major asset. Sarah likes Tom. Where does he jump? Will she follow or oppose?
• The Chief is known for his steadfastness. Does he stay loyal to his ideals or does he change?

You decide.

Maybe you get to take turns playing as the various characters, you shape the future.

And we could also be presented with difficult choices. I can think of one. What if Sarah haters were given a difficult choice?

1. Fight and kill Sarah
2. Let her live but accept a story consequence that they wont like

: For me, it gets stale when every story is military this and that. Or when
: more stuff that answers questions is put out to quick - let mysteries
: stew; let us ponder, theorize, speculate. Move on and come back to things
: after a few other stories have flavoured the pot. Include once-off stories
: as well as episodic arcs and series. Give us more HGN and Evolutions (but
: remaining curated and consistent with the official universe if the stories
: are commissioned out).

I'm tired of boot-camp stories and honor-and-sacrifice stories.

: It just grows stale if people get tired or bored of something, or quality
: stories aren't left to savour and sink in naturally.

I kind of understand what you mean. I can't think of an example of a current Halo mystery that I care about. Except the mystery of what decisions the characters would make if they were treated as real people and not just plot puppets.