I think this is likely balanced if we think back to older Empires by the empire itself not wanting to be its own worst critic and it’s bureaucracy and leadership using these activities to defend and backup the system - even in the light of obvious mistakes; frequently promoting politically or socially significant failures up the chain and away from causing direct harm rather than punishing outright. There will be push and pull in this dynamic that can provide opportunities for all levels of player engagement.
I think this is likely balanced if we think back to older Empires by the empire itself not wanting to be its own worst critic and it’s bureaucracy and leadership using these activities to defend and backup the system - even in the light of obvious mistakes; frequently promoting politically or socially significant failures up the chain and away from causing direct harm rather than punishing outright. There will be push and pull in this dynamic that can provide opportunities for all levels of player engagement.