This is why early access will feature no persistent world stuff - or, in other words, it's the spiritual sequel of cRPG (the Battlegrounds) - there will be skills and there will be progression and round-based gamemodes.
Like with the cRPG/Strategus exceptional formula and player retention (despite obvious flaws), I think it is a very good idea and make a lot of sense to have Battlegrounds come first, and feed it to Epic
Even though you decided that for development reasons, this is I think the wisest move possible for all possible reasons.
Vovka is sad now but he will be happier later!