Hi Tony
Catch up mechanics are for if you missed out on any points on previous expeditions.
Example;
You did expedition 1 with 3 skill points, you can "catch up" on the ones you missed by not getting the full five expedition when you last did the expedition.
If you did not complete previous expeditions, you can only gain the 5 skill points from YOUR first expedition.
The catch up mechanic is more a personal catch up for any skill points you weren't able to grind in previous expeditions.
An example;
Me and a friend played at launch. I did first expedition with 5mil (5 point). He got 3mil (3 skills)
On the 2nd expedition, we were joined by two other friends -- who were onto their first expedition.
My first friend got the 2 catch up points he missed on OUR first expedition.
My other friends who didn't buy the game until later and were only doing their expedition the first time around, just like 60 days ago (the 2nd one), they were still capped at 5 as it was their first time completing expedition process.
Hope that makes sense bud.
Tldr: if it's your first expedition, you're still capped at 5 skills until your next one. Your catch up mechanic is personal to you and your expedition.
that makes perfect sense. ty sir!