The Griffin being Ilberd works out perfectly though. We have history with Ilberd and we've seen already that he is willing to resort to betrayal and murder in the name of his misguided cause. As it stands he has slipped away - but if he's ever going to be relevant to the plot again then 4.0 is the ideal time to introduce him once more given that it's almost certain that we're going to Ala Mhigo next. From what we can see of Griffin's character model he also has the exact same skin tone and jaw as Ilberd. Which just adds further weight to the theory.

Furthermore Ilberd doing something very stupid and getting a bunch of innocent Ala Mhigans and Garleans killed would be the perfect way to encourage Garlemald and Eorzea to work together. Or at least certain elements within each faction. If a thousand long year war between Ishgard and Nidhogg's forces can be brought to a close then I see no reason why the escalating tensions between Garlemald and Eorzea can't come to a beneficial close for both sides. Hopefully they do it in such a way as to give us friendly Garleans who aren't just defectors and they put their homeland and people first and foremost even if it means trying to persuade Garlemald's leader figures to be more moderate and diplomatic in any way they can.