I still don't see a lot of "outsiders" actively exploit or abuse nature. I do think Palpaymo once said the Elementals were everywhere in Eorzea at one point(I haven't played 1.0. so I don't know). But I do believe the Gridanians could foster relations a lot better than what they are doing; a stagnant culture is one that is quick to go extinct. The whole "we are always right and outsiders are wrong" card they play more than a few times... yeah it works both ways.