Quote Originally Posted by Lurina View Post
This just feels so contrary to all the messages in the story so far. Didn't the arcs for the nations in Heavensward, Stormblood and Shadowbringers, or even within EW itself, show that societies are capable of change? That nothing is as black and white as "they're broken and doomed, better to just kill 'em", and there's always hope so long as there's a tomorrow?
The difference is contemporary nations accept their world is imperfect, and strive to make the best of it. The Ancients wouldn't let go of the past, choosing their "perfect paradise free from sorrow" over confronting life's hardships - and indeed, sacrificing the future for the sake of the past. Contemporary people do not do this - the protagonists / "good guys" anyway - and instead learn the lessons of the past for the sake of a better future.

Bleach has its flaws, and the character in question isn't the most morally straight, but Mayuri Kurotsuchi has an excellent speech on why perfection is not worth pursuit.