So I ran across the below trailer:

https://youtu.be/5-JfntpA2Ek?si=El4GssauVT3PPONM

In the beginning it seems to indicate this is sponsored by Catalyst games. So I figured it might be interesting, and at least an introduction to the newer rules (I stopped at 4a).

However, I get a distinct impression in their first episode that :

1. Nobody, including the GM, really knows the rules.
2. The fact catalyst is behind this seems to imply even Catalyst feels that 5th edition, anarchy, and 6th world don't really play well on the tabletop, and hence the kitbash these people are trying to make work.

But again I don't know those rule sets, so I'm curious what the experts think.

"Behind this" is not the impression I get. My impression is that it's more of a YouTuber asking CGL if they can have a partnership, and getting it, because it's cheap, modern PR for CGL.

I’m willing to give Catalyst the benefit of the doubt and provisionally assume that Catalyst just doesn’t understand that showing kitbashed rules broadly based on a defunct side ruleset isn’t a PR win for them.

(Wait, is that the benefit of the doubt?)

~J

I commend you for stopping at SR4A. You should. Stay there and you'll continue to be happy (though you can nick bits off of later editions that seem interesting).

As for their new series, it looks like Yet Another Cheapo Critical Role Knockoff™. YouTube's full of them, this one's nothing special, and I won't be bothering with it.