Ilberd

[Theodric]

The 'conventional means' of defeating a Primal pretty much involves throwing numerous skilled combatants at them and hoping for the best. Many are then killed, injured or Tempered. Sure, the Warrior of Light can handle them more easily but he's not going to be around forever or even realistically available on a whim.

The Garleans, at least, are being proactive about trying to find a solution to the Primal/Eikon problem. Much like the Allagans did. You can disagree with their methods, sure, but the alternative 'solutions' aren't exactly great.

As for Hydaelyn being 'weakened' by Garlemald's actions? Even if that's the case most of the blame can rest on her for not being bloody open and honest with the WoL and Scions. Though since it's heavily implied that all is not as it seems with her it's probably premature to pin the Garleans as the bad guys just yet.

[myahele]

As for Hydaelyn being 'weakened' by Garlemald's actions? Even if that's the case most of the blame can rest on her for not being bloody open and honest with the WoL and Scions. Though since it's heavily implied that all is not as it seems with her it's probably premature to pin the Garleans as the bad guys just yet.

So you're going to blame Hydaelyn for not communicating with the Garleans? Aren't they trying to save her?
I have listed the facts of all Garleans that eventually ended up doing more harm than good to Hydaelyn. Did Hydaelyn say she used most of her strenth against Ultima? Was she not harmed when Bahamut unleashed his fury?

Really the real bad guys here are the Ascians, at least Thordan was able to (maybe) get rid of one of them

[Theodric]

-snip-

No, I'm blaming Hydaelyn for not communicating with anyone. Even the WoL and the Scions are fumbling around in the dark because she isn't open and honest with them despite their continued loyalty. Which suggests she has something to hide. As for the Garleans that you've listed as doing more harm than good...there's only a handful of prominent figures to consider. You're referring to the likes of Nael and Gaius, I imagine? We don't know a whole lot about Varis' motives just yet so we can't speak with the benefit of hindsight.

Still, people around these parts are way too hard on the Garleans. Eorzea itself has harboured numerous individuals who have caused Eorzea all sorts of difficulties and harm so it's not as if it's some sort of pure and righteous place.

-snip-

There's Varis' quote from the encounter in the Sea of Clouds. I can't get online at the moment to check but I'm pretty certain it's along the lines of 'You know as well as we what will ensue should these insatiable beasts be allowed to roam free' as he and his men seek to pursue the Bismarck. Since they were aware of the Archbishop's plan - something that hasn't really been explained - they were also seeking to put a stop to him, too.

Granted, he also implies that he isn't above exterminating 'certain elements' for the greater good but that just ties in with my comparison to Tywin Lannister. They're both ruthless and efficient, not outright evil. It's also worth noting that the WoL and the Scions operate under the exact same code and aren't above exterminating entire elements or groups if they don't align with their own goals. Excuses can be made for this to some extent but it's not as if Eorzea is left a better place for it in many cases. The entire story in Ishgard has highlighted how much is lost during war and infighting.