Here is the thing. Everything we have seen in game and without except what has come from the Ascians themselves points at Hydaelyn being both benevolent and caring. Even this recent quote suggests a protective mother. 'Fearing the moon she cast her children to the sea'. Its not just that. Look at Dragonsong and Answers which we know are written to be Hydaelyn's perspective.

This makes me think, that even if there is some truth in what the Ascians say, its a half truth. There are details and context missing.

It interests me that the first thing Hydaelyn says to the WoL is 'look, think, feel'. I have always felt Hydaelyn has very much wanted us to follow our own judgement. Whatever the reason, she has invested a hell of a lot in the WoL. I'm pretty convinced that at what seems to be a very late point in this conflict between light and dark the WoL is her trump card, possibly more so than any of the other players have realised. The Ascians say themselves that she expended a lot of her energy protecting her champion. She doesn't seem to want a mindless minion. Infact she has given us rather little direction, generally leaving us to do our own thing and rely on the wisdom of friends and allies. For someone she is so invested in that is surprisingly hands off.

On a side note, since Krile mentioned that different people's Echos tend to manifest different strengths I've been very curious what particular properties the WoL's Echo has. Makes me wonder if the 'beacon of light' thing might be kind of literal.