*Spoilers* Anyone feel joining Emet would have been better

[Cleretic]

Why then is Venat, the initial aggressor, considered a hero by the game's narrative, where Emet-selch is the villain to be slain?

Two reasons for that.

1. While the story is made to be able to be viewed externally and see 'oh hey, these two basically have mirrored plans', the characters in the story are from the world Venat is trying to save, and the world Emet-Selch is trying to mulch up. Naturally that means that the characters making in-game decisions have a certain bias, and when both sides have equal merit are going to pick the one that doesn't kill them.

2. Venat's plan worked, while Emet-Selch's plan wouldn't have (as confirmed by Emet-Selch himself). Generally speaking you look pretty good if you pick a fight and win.