L1 are on 9 VP with Imperial and are 1/2 way to qualifying for two different stage Is (2 ships in different systems adjacent to Mecatol, 2 planets with attachments) they still have 1-2 tactical actions (predictive intel) left so can try and make (another) play for it.
However the reason I'm leaving is really a public protest against deal breaking/misleading shenanigans. I can say more via DM, but it is explained well in the game chat.
And that's the reason why this is more someone filling in as a stooge for what is very likely to be the final round.