I don't think anyone is really saying Raithwall wasn't bad. Hell, the journey Lady Ashe takes practically reveals that the Dynast-King was nothing more than a puppet to the Occurians not to mention the overwhelming power of the Nethicite we see in the game sorta changes any ideas of a benevolent victory he may have. I'm pretty certain Raithwall wiped out his rivals with overwhelming force, killing innumerable people, and creating an empire based on fear.

I did wish we had a chance to really learn more about the Occurians though.