Erm. Draklar doesn't consider Dark Empire evil. He just mistrusts it, that's all. Come to think of it, exactly like Havena used to mistrust the Legendary Warriors.
And evil-calling is a nice myth now. I only refered to Dark Empire as evil on boards, as a player. But somehow it is assumed ICly that Magnir does the same... Despise his friendly relations with some DE members and his avoiding the word "evil", also because it's usually him who is labeled as such.
I don't understand what you mean with the context though. Should it be objective, or subjective considering we're talking about Draklar leaving? In context Draklar knew nothing about any imprisoned Imperialists (and the HQ attacking I never took seriously, as from what I understand, escape from the setting (overpowering) was the case there), nor was he told anything about it. He was just told to keep silent :P
Finally Draklar has (or rather had) different views on the matter than Hwnae did. He did scold people when he needed to, but he never yelled or threatened them. I think neither Hwnae nor Draklar had the supreme knowledge over what should be done, so again, this is not much of a relevant context.
I used the quotes to explain why someone could see DE as evil. I don't know about Sangwa's mind, nor that of Hwnae. I'm just saying how they may be perceived by people (who don't have mind-reading abilities).
But in the end, Aelya also used her whip for discipline. She was never rude to people who didn't deserve it. She could explain herself with these arguments. Yet by her standards she was lawful-evil. Lawful-evil is a very mild sort of wrongdoing. It's the sort of evil that can prosper without people even realising there's anything wrong with it. I encourage anyone to point out any "evil" action performed by the Dark Empire during the Aelya-Aendar-Draklar-Kwartz era. Not much of that and yet DE was widely considered great example of lawful-evil guild. Evil isn't just about mindless murdering.
Hwnae may or may not be evil. But his actions can be perceived as such.
Overall I find the attitude somewhat strange. Why does it trouble you people so much that others perceive you as evil? During medieval times false accusations on this matter were fairly common. And seriously, at least you have something to role-play about. Trying to fight this opinion I mean (but most certainly not through arguing over it on the forums). Neither by trying to talk with those who call you evil. That appears to me awfully silly (maybe offer them some tea and cookies as you continue conversation?). Also keep in mind some of those people are simply criminals trying to avenge their brethren. General public is what you should aim for. If you can work for your good there without raising suspicion, then it should work and people who think ill of DE should disappear with time.
Leading an empire shouldn't be easy. As you grow in power, you'll face problems such as ones you face right now. Did you really expect it'll be solely about earning money, fighting criminals and recruiting members? Do you really want everything to always go as you'd wish it to go? Wouldn't that be a little bit boring?
Though do keep in mind the environment. As an evil guild, Dark Empire was enriching the world. It was something people could fight. What does DE bring into the game nowadays? What's so interesting about it? At least when perceived as evil (mostly by the shady people, irony, and that's what is cool about it) it enriches Planeshift with some action. Imperialists have to defend themselves from growing opposition from the side of the poor. Personally I think it's a shame you discard the idea so easily. Asides that and some fun stuff in Ojaveda, Yliakum is a boring semi-utopia (not according to setting presented ingame though, which is sometimes quite apocalyptic <3 )