I think that was the point with Bakool Jaja, and/or Zoraal Ja.
They opposed the main character, but overall they were pretty weak.

While yes I can see your point that a rival could help move the plot forward, but what the story really needs is a villain with a compelling argument to why they could be right.
This game need someone like Garrosh Hellscream (from WoW) someone who's overpowering everyone else, but also someone who's written with strong, compelling arguments that their actions potentially could be seen as good, like for instance Thanos.