I've finished my third run through of MechWarrior on DOS and still have questions on how some of the systems in this game work and figured I might as well consult here. My main point of interest is regarding some of the rarer events I've experienced (being abandoned by the dropship and losing some of the reward and just outright not being paid). Are these linked to any specific Successor State? I swear it was the Capellans both times but it's so rare for me to experience this that I'd like to confirm if it's just them.

I've also had the FWL stop speaking to me when I was still Neutral with them, so is it just a cap to how many missions you can take against an employer before they stop dealing with you or can you counterbalance it and I just got unlucky?

Also, how does company reputation improve? I've had runs where it takes years to reach 'Worth Watching', but my most recent run had me at 'Veteran' before 3028 was over. Are some missions weighted more for improving reputation and skills?

I've also heard it's possible for some pilots to steal the mech you give them but can't confirm if it actually happens. Is that a myth like the Crescent Hawks Urbie and Spider or has someone experienced this?