But as to the OP's question, has anything been changed in this area since the original F4 campaigns?
Falcon 4.0 campaigns are the basis for the SP series and then Allied Forces. The original files have been updated over the years to add things like the moveable Bullseye (if enabled), different objectives, adjustments to timelines, addition of new objectives, more interaction in the TAC and Campaign managers, plus all the other rendering. So yes, files have been updated in AF to change the original Campaigns and how they flow
I can not speak for FreeFalcon or BMS workings though. I understand that they have also modified their campaigns but it has been some years since I have flown them. I always seem to return to the AF version, mostly due to multiplayer stability, but that might have been overcome. It used to be said that AF was the most stable multiplayer version out there and I can attest to the stability of it. I have to read up and see if there are going to be any conflicting issues doing multiple installs of FreeFalcon, BMS (which required the original Falcon 4.0 CD for install), Falcon 4.0 and Allied Forces. I know that BMS requires the original exe on the Falcon 4.0 CD. There also use to be the eFalcon series, the RP series, and others that Patched various aspects of the game.
Ultimately, all the campaign engines are basically from the same source, the original Falcon 4.0 source code. Some some of it has been modified in such a manner that the Campaigns are not compatible from one install to another. I have always felt that the most overlooked portion of this sim was the use of the Campaign engine and the use of the TAC engine to create other campaignes within the same theater using whatever "what if" scenario that one chooses.
They used to say that you need to experience the various campaigns yourself to really made a determination of which one that you like the best. I found that I would use one for several months then switch to another which sometimes required a total un-install, removal of any patch software and non compatable add ons, re-install of the version you wanted to try, patching that one if necessary, and hoping that you will not have a problem of such magnitude that you would have to try to do it again. I am sure that this has changed somewhat though. But I willhave to do the "dance" several times to get the most updated views of BMS and FreeFalcon. Either way, no two campaigns will be alike. The major paremeters may not change but play of action will be different. All it takes to change the campaign is for you to be unable to complete your selected mission.
Interesting.... so the slider and priorites can change the way a campaign plays out, but there are also non-random events that occur when certain events/criteria are fulfilled? Nice.
Yes, moving the sliders will affect the campaign. By moving the sliders, you are changing the ratios required to trigger actions. By moving the PAK colors, you are changing the priorities for that specific PAK, both of which will affect the ATO. However, this does not alter the curent ATO for a couple of hours. Nothing is instateneous in this campaign except being shot down.....