The good news is that I did get a preliminary/test version up and running with branching for the alternate beginnings and endings - and it works very well on most dvd players. It seems to only have a real problem with dvd players that have slower drives. The project is very close to being finished - I just need to fix a few problems with the video and 5.1 audio and it should all be set. I've decided to drop any "extra" content due to it being a bit more extra work than I'm willing to do right now.
Anyways, I don't have an internet connection right now, so updates will be few and far in between. I'm hoping to have this truly, and finally finished by October. Wish me luck.