^^This!
I'm surprised this thread didn't gain more traction tbh. I'm glad I searched the forum as I was about to start a new thread for this.
I really hope a 'mission save state' function can implemented in the near future. I understand ED have a lot on their plate but basic functionality in this regard would surely not be too great an ask?
I'm imagining a whole new breath of life into DCS allowing, as you say, more casual approaches to long events that unfold over many hours. Only with this function you can fly one mission>save>exit and come back to fly another mission with the impact of the previous mission flown being persistent.
It would kinda form a basis of the all elusive 'dynamic campaign'.
Wags, please hear us!
Cheers.