What happened to SB (story)?

[Nezerius]

We fought against the Garleans because they're genocidal conquerors that tried to destroy a continent by throwing a moon at it.

Project Meteor wasn't something that the average Garlean likely agreed with. Even Gaius was against it, when he heard of Nael going through with it. The same Gaius that also conquered Ala Mhigo without being genocidal.

Garlemald is a big place, there's bound to be factions that don't agree with everything, why else was there something akin to a civil war when Emperor Solus died?

[Kallera]

At this point I'm kinda hoping that Eldibus's goal really is making the last calamity occur on Garlean soil and leaving the WoL and their allies with the check in a brutal twist of "we couldn't have done this without you". Because the devs seem determined to keep the Garleans losing battles in the most ridiculous manner. The scientist's description of what the Garleans found when they first fled there makes it a good setup, and it offers the whammy of killing the reputation of the WoL and anyone blessed with the echo for causing the end of days.

[Vexander]

Because the devs seem determined to keep the Garleans losing battles in the most ridiculous manner.

Part of me suspects come 4.1 we'll see a new character from Garlemald show up in Eorzea as an emissary of the Empire with a message like...

"On behalf of Emperor Varis and the Garlean Empire, we wish to extend our thanks to the Eorzean Alliance, Ala Mhigan Resistance, and Doman Liberation Front. I can see from your expressions you are confused. For some time now the regions of Ala Mhigo and Doma have been a resource drain on the Empire, worth less than the cost of maintaining. We left Doma understaffed on purpose, with the idea that eventually someone would take it off our hands. As for Ala Mhigo, we knew what Zenos was like to do with that territory when he was appointed the Viceroy, and knew that his actions and nature would hopefully lead to someone disposing of him for us.

"Ah, I see your shock. Tell me, do you think the Emperor would want a man like Zenos to have succeeded him as the ruler of the Garlean Empire? That was far from our interests. Far better that he should die on the field of battle and a more competent heir be groomed to succeed Emperor Varis. That said, while by necessity there must needs be retribution for the death of the heir to the imperial throne, for now we shall be observing a state of mourning for his loss. When this has concluded, the Empire shall be looking into more worthwhile lands for expansion, a Campaign in honor of Zenos' memory, only proper. Your Scions of the Seventh Dawn have proven quite capable. Perhaps Sharlayan will be a fine target. Their vaunted magical wards are not like to hold up against the Resonant. However, for now, rest upon your laurels and rejoice in your victory."