Why can't it be both?

"The concept is not bad, but without a Dao Lord, no matter how high we climb, no matter how steadfast we become, humans will always be servants and slaves for others. Then, it will become in the interest of others to ensure that we never gain independence. Right now, humans are in the unique position where we are weak enough that no one particularly wants us, but not so weak that we cannot rise.

"You talk about the battles in Orion, but it's a fact that no matter how hard we fought, now well we defended, how well we attacked, from the very onset our defeat was set in stone. All races, no matter how noble or powerful, are led by a few individuals. The rest rise up under their umbrella of protection."

Though Cornelius raised a few good points, Cassandra was not convinced. She had lived through the decline of humanity.