It could be interesting though: Phelbas was neat because it introduced the Culture from the POV of an outsider who hated them, and even sometimes admitted that

It could be interesting though: Phelbas was neat because it introduced the Culture from the POV of an outsider who hated them, and even sometimes admitted that his hate could sometimes be irrational. A utopia (or "utopia") from the perspective of a non-participant who deliberately sides with militant religious groups he doesn't even like would be a fresh change of perspective compared to a lot of television.