I have bought T2013 and run games as a GM ftf. I agree that the timeline is a little frustrating. I bought it intending to run the timeline from the book, but I modified the background pretty heavily. The Devs chose to leave things pretty open, and to be honest, that is about my only gripe. I played the original T2K and 2.2 for years and loved the system, but...
T2013 is the best modern combat RPG I have ever had the joy to play. The 'initiative', 'combat steps', and morale all lend that extra level of detail 2.2 lacked. 2.2 is a great system and I love it, but T2013 is better. In character creation and starting gear it also gets the nod. Much more realistic career development system. Anti-munchkin measures are in place.
