The Warpath Campaign Expansion DLC

[Tsavong]

So when will the alpha version I bought be upgraded to a beta?

Nonsense Empire was not an alpha when it came out and nor was it a beta yes it had problems but most people can run the game and the have improved it a lot over the months with patches, four so far.

And I'm expected to pay for this?! I'm supposed to pay for an update that may improve the game I bought for $50, like a chump, to a decent state!?

No your not expected to pay for the update the update (1.4) was free and came out on Tuesday. What you are expected to pay £6 for is an optional add-on campaign.