There's an important distinction to be made between a villain and an antagonist. Zenos is a villain, as a consequence of having very few - if any - redeeming qualities. Regula wasn't a villain - he was an antagonist who offered aid when it was needed for the sake of the greater good. His attitude is a reflection of what Garlemald likely will become and what it always sought to be. A nation founded on pragmatism and efficiency.

The whole 'savage' thing is blown way out of proportion, too. Discrimination is extremely common across pretty much every part of Hydaelyn - it isn't something unique to Pureblood Garleans. It is also false to state that Regula never pushed for reform, since he rooted out corruption within the 6th Legion. That is the very definition of reform.

Had he survived, he would have likely remained at Varis' side - yet as we know, Varis is not the cackling warmonger that many tried to paint him as. Even if he does resort to warfare in the future then it is likely to be due to his hand being forced by a combination of the Ascians and the infiltration and sabotage at the hands of Eorzean and Doman agents. As of the events of Baelsar's Wall it has been Garlemald that has been on the defensive and the Eorzean Alliance - and its allies - that have been on the offensive.

In short, the story is going to involve wonderful nuances and will be by no means a case of black and white morality.