Trying to figure out the gameplay design purpose behind the restrictions to the Special Assault campaign objectives.

Rebels have to assault Hyperlanes or Corellian sector.

Empire is anywhere but those places.

If we're playing 2 players then we'll have 4 fleets, a max of 5 imperial bases, 3 rebel based and 4 rebel outposts on the map.

So. What gives? What's the purpose?

Can't speak for the designers, but I think it's partly thematic and partly helps shape the board. Thematic because the Alliance wants to raid places that have logistical importance while the Empire wants to terrorize the outlying worlds. Shaping the board because it makes things ever less uniform on the map. Some worlds can be slightly more attractive as base options if they aren't able to be hit by the opponent's special assault.

I don't believe special assaults can be declared against bases in anycase as base defense objectives are used in that case.

I believe the restrictions are mainly for theme, and to give some predictability in possible locations for enemy assaults.

And possibly to keep the campaign moving along. Without restrictions, some players may continually choose Special Assaults and prolong the campaign.

I don't believe special assaults can be declared against bases in anycase as base defense objectives are used in that case.

This would encourage the Empire to build bases along the hyperspace routes and the Rebels to build bases out in the sticks which seems fairly thematic.