The Ala Mhigans, to me, were never painted in a particularly flattering light. Let's not forget that Fordola, as a child, witnessed Ala Mhigans stone her father to death right before her eyes. Upon being imprisoned for her own crimes, at no point did the Ala Mhigans try to understand why she did what she did. They wanted to stone her to death as well.

Othard and Hingashi were far more interesting and enjoyable to me. The latter especially, given that it is neutral territory.

I also think people were too hasty in assuming that Stormblood was going to be the 'Ala Mhigo' expansion.