Definitely 9 out of 10 for gameplay, my view.
Barthandelous wanted to facilitate mass murder to gain access to the lost deities. I think by opening the door to the unseen world the consequence of the world being consumed by chaos would occur by default. But this was not the central goal. Bart was interesting but in my opinion a very much a predictable, one dimensional villain.
Whereas I fully empathized with and almost wanted to root for Caius.
Personally I think he's a great villain because he stirs this conflict in me.
Caius is motivated to kill Etro, therby unleash to power of chaos, for the sake of someone he loves and cares for; he wants to release both himself and Yuel from the viscious cycle of premature death and rebirth. He became Yuel's eternal guardian because he made the decision to sacrifice his life to save her some hundreds of years before the events of the game. Etro rewards him by sentencing him to a life of eternal servitude to Yuel. In a sense it's both a blessing and a curse; he could remain with Yuel forever but unfortunately this means he also has to witness her die over and over again. Yes he's something of a monster but essentially just a very sad, tired man.
I accept your view, though I disagree.
Taking a life is taking a life. Love or not as the reason, it doesn't matter. Caius, I'm sure, would know that if the goddess died, everything would follow suit. She is the balance of the cosmos, given her focus via Muin (though they don't call it that) who was before her, but was dying and unable to continue in such a role. When the one who represents and indeed holds together the delicate balance of the cosmos is gone, that balance dies with her. And sadly, Etro's balance was fair at best, most likely due to the fact that Muin couldn't explain everything.
Honestly, if we're going to go the route of who committed a worse sin, I would say it was Caius.
Both Caius and Barthandelus were sad, tired men. The only thing that separates them in that regard is that Barthandelus is fal'Cie - a sentient, intelligent being removed from true human understanding. The best way that humans could view fal'Cie are as living machines. And, if I'm correct, I believe their true selves were the spirits of the crystal that was encased within the robotic body (I always think of the Transformers when it comes to the fal'Cie and the Eidolins.)
Yes, I am pro-fal'Cie! I think they are an interesting life form and I have no problem with them.
Caius wished to stop the cycle of death and rebirth for Yuel, but felt the only way that could be done is via the death of Etro. He could be seen as equally a mass murderer.
Barthandelus/Orphan wanted to - when all was said and done - complete the mission that Bhuniberzei (Bhunivelze) himself ordered of Lindzei. Protect, yet kill. Protect the world, protect what was Bhuniberzei, but destroy any that would seek to harm Bhuniberzei. I would see man as both a part of and yet enemy of Bhuniberzei; via his divine will, humanity were also descendants of the god, yet by their nature, they could be seen as enemies to be destroyed. This is what Barthandelus/Menrva/Orphan mix spoke about when rising. At the same time, I think he/they were suicidal, tired of the same ric-a-ma-roll that seemed to govern life.
Anyhow... My essay for the day.
