User blog comment:Spartan0700/Mass Effect 3 Ending, a Different Argument. (SPOILERS!)/@comment-5503561-20120311130420/@comment-3501730-20120311134400

I think the point of the ending was to radically and earth-shatteringly change the galaxy. So yes the galaxy is without mass relays but the species of the galaxy are saved but free as well from a infinite long cycle of extinct and rebirth. Plus, the final battle, we're only seeing the bulk of the military of all the peoples of the galaxy. There probably are billions of surviving civilians on the homeworlds and colonies. But trust me you're not the only one with plot question and general logical errors, which maybe part of what Bioware wanted to have a bit of confusion. But I don't know...after most he game is artfully created the last five minutes are a little rushed as it would feel.