The Anti-Eikon War comes first. Slapping Varis with a Nero-link to make him "Decree" that all annexed territories be treated better and abuse of Lower Ranked Citizens be under punishment of military tribunal and execution comes later.
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Which is silly, given that Eorzea doesn't treat 'low ranking citizens' much better than Garlemald does. Then again so far it has been shown that a lot of the poor and destitute often only have themselves to blame so it could very well be the case in Garlemald as well.
Anyone who isn't a natural born Garlen Citizen (Aka, Pure Blood Garlemald Heritage/ Not an Annexed Territory) you have few if any proper human (Mortal?) rights in the cast system. Dohma rebelled because of this and as such was burned to the ground in retaliation. Gaius van Baelsar was even frequently recognized by his subordinates for looking past blood and focusing on merits. Which to be specifically referenced by one of his Tribunes near confirms how unusual that is.
A prolonged period of Military Service (Ala The Roman Empire) can earn "Full Citizen" status for their bloodline assuming they survive. Which considering most typically treat them as cannon fodder that is extremely unlikely.
Add that to how poorly the civilians are treated as well (It is frequently suggested the military take.... inapropriate liberties.... with Civilian Women for example) then we have atrocities on all fronts.
Their Hierarchy is literally the worst parts of The Roman Imperial, Sengoku, and Third Reich Hierarchies all thrown together.
That isn't terribly different from how it is in Eorzea, though. It's also very likely to be coloured by bias by those seeking 'freedom'. Ul'dah and Ishgard are the worst culprits for outright discrimination, especially against those who are seen as poor. Many of the impoverished either turn to crime or are pushed into being conscripted for the sake of a 'better life'. Sure, they may get a 'fair' wage but they're still dying on behalf of politics. As for 'inappropriate liberties' that sort of thing is very, very likely to be the case for pretty much every major armed force present in Hydaelyn. It's an unfortunate evil in war - and FFXIV doesn't shy away from hinting at such things as taking place.
My poor FF2 reference is sad and crying in the corner.
As Theodric pointed out, it doesn't sound hugely different to the caste systems operating in Ul'dah (with respect to the refugees especially), Ishgard (with its strong religious oppression) or the rampant criminality in Vylbrand or, for that matter, the warlust of the Alamhigans. If the game had you up against any of them exclusively as antagonists, you'd no doubt have the same impression.
Personally, I rather bore of 'egalitarian' regimes in games being set up on some kind of pedestal.
Sorry Fen, had to look up the FF2 reference first. FF1-4 are the only ones I've never played. >_>
And I'll make sure to have those set up for the inevitable FF6 moment where the "Control Crown" malfunctions and turns some unsuspecting vassal into an insane, pyromaniac, clown too. Better safe than sorry.