Also, in 1.xx, it is shown that the Garlean Empire actually brainwashed children of lands they concurred. On top of that, it is made mention in several places, that when the Empire takes over a land, they uses these new "citizens" as front line troops, often forcibly.

I also have to argue against appeasing the Elementals as the only way to live in the Black Shroud. The Moon Keeper families of miqo'tes have been living in the forest and been at odds with Gridania for years. The so called "poachers" could just be families living off the resources of the forest, but because they work outside the Elemental's will are branded as law breakers.