But as a sidenote, it has been my personal theory for years that during those peace talks...they somehow found out about Solus being an ascian; or at least Garlemald being under control of the ascians. I have no proof except speculation, but it would certainly help explain some things better.

I can so imagine Fourchenault in his head being "DAMNIT ALL I DID TRY also the world is ending anyway and all these international relations are gonna be moot and I'm magically forbidden from explaining any of this to my teenage son" and just having to SEETHE over it all in frustration.

I do wonder how much Alphi's decision to come to Eorzea wasn't just rooted in following in grandpa's shoes, but also to try to prove himself to dad by succeeding exactly where dad had previously failed.

I would love to see the two of them talk about their mistakes and failures.

I think the whole failed peace talks with the Garleans gets overshadowed by the Exodus itself (even the game has barely acknowledged it). Putting aside the whole "world ending" knowledge,recall Alphi's thesis about Sharlayans duty to the world & how dad was not happy. Dad DID try. and FAILED.

The general attitude often comes off as less genuine care about their well being and more like a revenge fantasy or a kind of performative activism. Like dad was some kind of obstacle that had to be overcome first before they could embrace it. It's just never sat well for me.

One thing that always stuck out to me is the scene in 5.0 in the bad future where they and the WoL have perished holding hands together. I thought that made it clear a familial bond of some kind already existed.

But it took THAT scene for people to proclaim "they're my family now!" Why not before?

THIS. Or claiming ownership of his independent children. People can add them to their OC's family while respecting their autonomy. Found family is a great thing but it doesn't require someone to be removed or replaced.

They're not rewards to be given or taken away even if he did do a big dumb.