What thoughtless slander. There are two strong female characters I recall: Bayta and Arkady Darell. They do plenty by their own volition and are central movers

What thoughtless slander. There are two strong female characters I recall: Bayta and Arkady Darell. They do plenty by their own volition and are central movers of the plot. You also imply that the empire's decline must be taken for granted, but that is explored at least in the Bel Riose story, and probably other places too. You might be due for a reread (assuming you even read them in the first place).