Personally I think the whole espionage area could stand a reworking. Its confusing and counter-intuitive as it stands now. I've used it a bit and I like the missions etc, but the layout could really use some help.
I appears that the intent was to make the research and intel screens have the same functionality, but it doesnt seem to fit quite right. I think the intel screen from SE3 with some appropriate modernization would better fill the role.
At the very least, I would like to see the 'Counter Espionage' be a separate 'mission' altogether and allow points to be split between the 'attack' missions and the defense without regard to 'split evenly' or not. Give the player more control over what goes where when it comes to intel.
Well, thats my $.02 on the subject.
Talenn