I don't know if I'd use the word "grooming", since the Ascians do attack before we get a crystal, as I recall, and are very pro blowing up Shards and instigating mass genocide. Not exactly a bad idea to warn "Hey, watch out for Lahabrea in particular", considering his characterization in ARR and HW is basically just "Muahaha, chaos!" on repeat to the point that Elidibus, Emet-Selch, and Nabriales all think of him as a lunatic.

Regarding Venat's characterization, I'm sure she was always meant to be a heroine figure, at least from the moment her name was chosen. She's named after the Venat from XII that opposes the rest of her race that's trying to manipulate mankind to sinister ends. Granted, while that Venat does have good intentions and wants mankind to live free, they're more of an anti-villain than a full on hero.