When will the expansion release?

I wrote a request as well. We may see some information next week or the first week of Feb. It is very likely that it may go to as an opt in Beta at that time. I would think that the actual release would be in the latter part of February. 

Announcement coming next week.

I pray that ideology perks will be fixed with the expansion.

Other than the Alluring perk, which is being fixed, what ideology perk are you referring to?

I'm just praying that we can use Custom Heightmaps again soon. That broke some time ago, and playing my custom faction without it just isn't the same.

 

The ones I noticed

Benevolent - last line research.  When picked doesn't add any research points

Malevolent - Last line, third from the left (if I remember correctly) ships that enter my territory get 25% reduction to HP.  In reality I get HP reduction instead of opponent.

It would be good to get ideology balance looked at. Some low level perks are way better than their later counterparts..

I used the research line in most of my games and it gives research, I also looked into the xmls and it looked nothing out of place.
But depending on what tech you are currently researching they might not give enough to unlock it instantly so you wont see anything happen.
Try to take them when researching early game techs or when you nearly finished researching a tech and it should unlock after picking the perk.

The malevolent trait seems to have a typo:

  <Trait>
    <InternalName>AweTrait3</InternalName>
    <DisplayName>AweTrait3_Name</DisplayName>
    <ShortDescription>AweTrait3_ShortDec</ShortDescription>
    <Description>AweTrait3_Dec</Description>
   ...
    <Stats>
      <EffectType>HitPointsCap</EffectType>
      <Scope>ZOC</Scope>
      <Target>
        <TargetType>Ship</TargetType>
        <TargetRelation>Self</TargetRelation>
      </Target>
      <BonusType>Multiplier</BonusType>
      <Value>-0.25</Value>
    </Stats>
  </Trait>

compared to other perks that effect other factions, here the reduction of the shared border penalty:

<Trait>
    <InternalName>AweTrait1</InternalName>
    <DisplayName>AweTrait1_Name</DisplayName>
    <ShortDescription>AweTrait1_ShortDec</ShortDescription>
    <Description>AweTrait1_Dec</Description>
    ...
    <Stats>
      <EffectType>DiplomacySharedBordersWeight</EffectType>
      <Target>
        <TargetType>Faction</TargetType>
      </Target>
      <BonusType>Flat</BonusType>
      <Value>-1</Value>
    </Stats>
  </Trait>

I'll submit a ticket.

I pray for the fix on AI huggin