In note of positive garlean influence, we'll probably see more of that as we get closer to the empire, at least in rhitahtyn's case his homeland was in turmoil (possibly civil war, corruption or maybe just anarchy) and the garleans brought order and peace to his lands hence why he's so loyal to them.

That's just one example of course and no doubt we'll see more unless SE wants to make it more bias when we come to an 'imperial arc' in the MS. But one issue I think that will most definitely come up is what happens if the empire was defeated and relinquished it's conquered lands, what then? What happens to those annexed territories?