I've often wondered if the release of Star Wars: Squadrons impacted the release of V0.89. If so, I can at least understand (e.g., a Cease and Desist order? Perhaps an unexpected event due to COVID (that certainly started to impact college life around March 2020)?).
But still, what a bummer if it never gets to see the light of day to a public audience. It is still a great take on Star Wars combat flying.