To support the encouragement of getting folks to play more regular content - make being able to obtain AE rewards a reward itself for completing non AE content. i.e you unlock getting AE rewards after obtaining VET level XX from non AE
OR
AE Vet rewards are unlocked after obtaining a combination of XX badges i.e. a total of so many defeat, accomplishment and achievement badges - the idea is to exclude exploration and history badges which do not mission experience.
Basically, a carrot vs stick approach - and we all know the COH community is really good at going after the next shiny carrot.