I'm experiencing the 'Secret Missions crash the game' problem myself. For me, it just crashes when I'm not using Win95 compatibility mode, but the video and audio stutters with compatibility mode on. Has anyone else had this problem and found a solution?
Alternatively, if there is no solution...
I've been having problems recently with the first exploratory mission. It's not the pirates; it's that the pirates are in the asteroid field that causes trouble. I was using FF missiles, though; would IR missiles work better?
In the Victory's elevator, if you click on a floor and then quickly click the exit, you'll get off on that floor without going through the elevator up/down cinematic. I know it works in the KS version, anyway.
The part describing all the ships seems inaccurate. On my copy, about the Hornet, it has these lines:
Missile Hardpoints (3 x 2):
2 DF / 2 DF
2 HS
But I've flown the Hornet, and I know it only has 2 DF and 1 HS. Unless they're double missiles or something, but they don't seem...
If it was a MIP mission, you need hardpoints for those, so you can only use the Avenger (sometimes Vindicator). Also, in the mission that ends with the 'capture transport' part, you have to use a Border Worlds fighter so you'll have Leech cannons.
On Privateer...
For some reason, when I increased the number of CPU cycles in the configuration file, it went slower. I had it up to 30000 and it was like molasses. When I put it back to 10000, it was fast again.
One thing I noticed is that the armament and speed of the Stiletto is the same as that of the Super Ferret (WC2 Special Ops).
Mass drivers are nowhere near as good in Privateer, though.