Quote Originally Posted by Scintilla View Post
On that point:

In the group discussion Venat does say -

"We must ask ourselves a simple question: are we prepared to pursue our chosen course, even should it mean suffering the eternal condemnation of our brethren? If so, I see no further reason to demur"

Wouldn't that suggest that they were very much aware of the consequences of summoning and considered the sundering as a highly likely, if not inevitable, consequence that they were willing to accept? For such a statement to then be followed up by the admittance that they were making the monumental decision even though very few agreed with it, doesn't show them in a favourable light right now.
Not necessarily...

The only thing the line implies is that the rebels knew Zodiark's supporters would hate them for summoning Hydaelyn, whose purpose was to shackle their savior (so as to prevent him from devouring the new lives of the world). The exact consequences of (trying to) do so could not have been foreseen; to say they considered the Sundering a likely if not inevitable outcome assumes several points of information.

Further one of the key points of Shadowbringers was heroes being branded villains for going against authority despite the depravity of said authorities (the conflict with Vauthry); to say their actions paint them in a negative light is ignores this.