When it is finished. It is close (and getting closer - especially now that I have scaled back on the first release ambition-wise), but I am still not at the point where I want to make any promises (for various reasons detailed in the regular updates). As mentioned elsewhere on the site, Imperium is something I work with on my free time. As a consequence, schedules will inevitably slide when faced with the demands of personal life. I appreciate the support and feedback I receive, but don't hold your breath.
Yes.
As discussed in this blog post they are still planned - they just won't make it into the first release of the game. Bottom line: Given the pressures on my personal time, I'd rather have you guys playing my games, than waiting another ten years for me to complete the entire original vision. Hopefully those of you who end up playing the games will agree with me that this was the right decision, but time will tell.
The plan is still to continue working on the political module for Imperium, once the Campaigns module is polished and released.