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I'm really sorry about this, and I'm somewhat aware that Tau threads are flame-bait in the making, but I really do not understand. Why would anyone accept the rule of others than of their own people? The Tau Empire's 'clients' are basically 19th Century protectorates IN SPAAACE!!! I understand the Imperium's a somewhat difficult place to live in, but shouldn't living under your own people be more preferable than living under, well, something that isn't even Human to begin with?

I see it like this. Think of them like asylem seekers.

People flee middle eastern countries all the time because they are oppresive and all the rest of it. They flee to places like Australia, the UK or the US because we offer a different way of living. Its the same reason an Imperial words might defect to the Tau Empire but just on a much larger scale.


Edit: I forgot to add. During the Damocles crusade many Imperial Guard soliders were abandoned due to the encroachment of Hive Fleet Bememoth. Time was more importent then a few lost troops. So those men were given a choice by Tau commanders- Die as Imperials or live as Tau.
A 3rd option also presents itself. Imperial worlds the Tau took over may have resisted at first but over the generations as the old Imperium loving citizens got old and died they gave way to a new generation of people who never knew the rule of the Imperium. So they accepted the Tau rule because they knew no other way.

 Snrub wrote:
I see it like this. Think of them like asylem seekers.

People flee middle eastern countries all the time because they are oppresive and all the rest of it. They flee to places like Australia, the UK or the US because we offer a different way of living. Its the same reason an Imperial words might defect to the Tau Empire but just on a much larger scale.

Well, that certainly is true. But in the long-term, I doubt such an answer would really hold meaning. Back before WWII, when the Philippines was American territory, our country was really peaceful and well-managed. But despite that, we still wanted to be free and ruled by our own people. Somehow, I really think that someday, the descendants of those same 'asylum seekers' (in 40k's case) would want to return to the Imperium simply because the Imperium, for all its faults, is governed by Humans, not aliens, and therefore much more identifiable than some blue-skinned, alien philosopher-king. Besides, its not like the Tau don't ask for tribute/issue quotas from their Human clients. Its only a matter of time before they realize that there's really no difference between that and the Terran Imperial Tithe. To finish my argument (for this post at least), I'll quote the deceased Philippine President Manuel Quezon:

I prefer a government run like hell by Filipinos than a government run like heaven by Americans.

Rest assured, I'm not spouting anti-American rhetoric (President Quezon was a recognized nationalist, but he was not an extremist nor an anti-American either, and was actually well-regarded by his American counterparts), but simply arguing that despite its many, MANY faults, the Imperium being governed by Humans would ultimately be more identifiable for Humans rather than a seemingly-faultless and cosmopolitan, alien-governed empire.

EDIT: Regarding your edit, the soldiers' positions are somewhat understandable, but as for the part regarding the citizens who know nothing about the Imperium, hmmm...I really don't know how to argue this properly but, I get the feeling that extensive use is being made of biased education, propaganda, or even re-education (for those who start thinking that despite their benefits the Human clients of the Tau Empire aren't really free since their rulers aren't Human like them) to keep them from considering that perhaps the Tau Empire isn't what its all made out to be.

The rumors of mind control keeping the races in a caste society that serves to benefit the Ethereals in a power grab for the galaxy?

 Arcsquad12 wrote:
The rumors of mind control keeping the races in a caste society that serves to benefit the Ethereals in a power grab for the galaxy?

Do we have proof of outright mind control though? For the first-generation its likely, though with the more rational name of 're-education', but for second and later-generation Human clients, it could just be the result of biased education and propaganda.

Have we ever seen second generation humans living under Tau society? Most of the time humans appear to be pushed into auxiliary roles, making me believe that their survival rates are rather low.

 Arcsquad12 wrote:
Have we ever seen second generation humans living under Tau society? Most of the time humans appear to be pushed into auxiliary roles, making me believe that their survival rates are rather low.

What? Meat-shields? Okay, now I'm really confused. If that's the case, is there really any benefit at all from Humans joining the Tau Empire? Apart from extending your life-span, though that might by much if you're just going to be used as meat-shields, not to mention all the woe that's going to ensue if you fall into Imperial hands.

EDIT: On the other hand, the benefits of remaining loyal to the Imperium and fighting a guerilla war/sustaining an insurgency on a Human world ruled by the Tau which was then re-conquered by the Imperium are definite. You and your comrades would be declared heroes, parades would be held in your honor, streets, ships, maybe even children would be named after you...hmmm, interesting contrast.

The other thing is humans on Tau Planets can just be completely cut off from other humans and the imperium.

If you planet is taken over by Tau they could simply tell you they've won the war against the human race and you're all that's left. Remember that the imperium is huge and it's populace is stupid. Most of them have never seen space marines, never seen other planets. The most they know of spaceships is tiny dots flying around in the upper atmosphere.

The grandeur of the imperium of man is not visible to the humans on the ground, they're just too small to see the tops of the mountains, so to them everything s in shadow.

Basically, using Tau re-education I don't think it'd be hard to convince humans that the imperium was much smaller and weaker than they believed, and that it was simply overturned by their wonderful, kind Tau masters. The tau don't even have to be that nice, if they take away everything you have in the conquest, the tiniest generosity will seem like the utmost kindness.

@Lunarman

When the Imperium return in force, I assume they are welcomed back with open arms? Of course, the collaborators would be executed/punished, and resistance figures honored, but what of the newly-liberated, common subjects of the Emperor?

You sound a little biased given your countries history, the two do not compare. If I were to use your logic then why would any Americans trust their leaders or their fellow citizens considering they are all from different nationalities and backgrounds?

The simple fact is the Tau Empire is a much much kinder, open minded and understanding regime than the IoM. I think the average Imperial citizen gets over his xenophobia real fast when he sees how clean and healthy Tau worlds are and how kind and understanding they are of the basic rights of all living things and how they fit into the scheme of The Greater Good. At least by comparison to the IoM they are much much less grimdark.

If you want to see the ideologies of the Tau Empire and how they clash with the Imperium, there is always this piece of manliness.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrHhS5IkRR0

Joining the Tau Empire is essentially trading one form of dictatorship for another, the difference being the ideologies. Fascism and Communism at their furthest extremes are both different takes on social control by individuals at the top.

Except that Communism still clings to the belief that all are equal under the same banner.

Admiral Valerian wrote:@Lunarman

When the Imperium return in force, I assume they are welcomed back with open arms? Of course, the collaborators would be executed/punished, and resistance figures honored, but what of the newly-liberated, common subjects of the Emperor?

Depends on the Liberators. lol Iron Hands or the Ecclesiarchy will probably just wipe them all out for heresy and betrayal, while Ultramarines would probably kill some of the figure heads and bring the rest back into the imperial fold.

 Laughing God wrote:
You sound a little biased given your countries history, the two do not compare. If I were to use your logic then why would any Americans trust their leaders or their fellow citizens considering they are all from different nationalities and backgrounds?

The simple fact is the Tau Empire is a much much kinder, open minded and understanding regime than the IoM. I think the average Imperial citizen gets over his xenophobia real fast when he sees how clean and healthy Tau worlds are and how kind and understanding they are of the basic rights of all living things and how they fit into the scheme of The Greater Good. At least by comparison to the IoM they are much much less grimdark.

Eh, not really. By comparison today, American-ruled Philippines was actually better-managed as opposed to our red tape-bound current government. No one seems to regret independence though. But yes, perhaps I shouldn't have compared the two (it was the first justification for Human rule as opposed to alien rule). As for Imperial worlds, civilized worlds (under which category most Imperial worlds fall AFAIK) don't sound so bad, and the Realm of Ultramar - which formed the heart of the Ultima Segmentum back during the Great Crusade and I assume still does in the 41st Millennium - is definitely the safest and best place to live in the galaxy.

Wow, a lot of Tau haters not familiar with official Tau background here.

Official tau designer notes wrote:In contrast to other races, we wanted the Tau to be altruistic and idealistic, believing heartily in unification as the way forward. This meant that they would happily incorporate other races into their empire without subjugating them, instead enticing them in with the benefits of mutual protection, trade and technology.

So the correct answer is that some people including some humans prefer an Empire that doesn't subjugate them but instead gives them the benefits of mutual protection, trade and technology. Crazy, I know. But not everyone loves being treated like and killing his neighbors 9-5 all days a week.

Most humans accept the rule of the Tau empire as it is the best alternative. The Tau would let you live a much more free life than the imperium ever would. Hell, they even allow the worship of the emperor.

Even though it is not a great life, living as a "19th century protectorate in space" is 1000 times better than living anywhere else in the 40k universe. Converting planets would start out with some small steps. Water cast diplomats would try to initiate trade and try to familiarise the humans with the Tau. If the Imperium ever found out about this, the planet would have to ask the Tau for assistance, as what happened in the Taros campaign.

Also, working together is just common sense for some of the less xenophobic races, even some less xenophobic human planets.

Aren't the official codexes and designer notes intended to be written in the form of propaganda that would enhance the positives of each race?

Admiral Valerian wrote:

 Laughing God wrote:
You sound a little biased given your countries history, the two do not compare. If I were to use your logic then why would any Americans trust their leaders or their fellow citizens considering they are all from different nationalities and backgrounds?

The simple fact is the Tau Empire is a much much kinder, open minded and understanding regime than the IoM. I think the average Imperial citizen gets over his xenophobia real fast when he sees how clean and healthy Tau worlds are and how kind and understanding they are of the basic rights of all living things and how they fit into the scheme of The Greater Good. At least by comparison to the IoM they are much much less grimdark.

Eh, not really. By comparison today, American-ruled Philippines was actually better-managed as opposed to our red tape-bound current government. No one seems to regret independence though. But yes, perhaps I shouldn't have compared the two (it was the first justification for Human rule as opposed to alien rule). As for Imperial worlds, civilized worlds (under which category most Imperial worlds fall AFAIK) don't sound so bad, and the Realm of Ultramar - which formed the heart of the Ultima Segmentum back during the Great Crusade and I assume still does in the 41st Millennium - is definitely the safest and best place to live in the galaxy.

Go back and Read the BRB about the IoM over again. Very few of its worlds can be described as pleasant to live on.

and not to Segway the conversation but how is the Philippines better off being controlled by its own people if they are not as prosperous and efficient at ruling it than America? Besides nothing more than some misplaced ideal of nationalism or principle of disorganized independence?

And by comparison why would someone’s loyalty to the Imperium keep them bound to a system that out right views them as an expendable resource on a miserable world leading a meaningless life? This is why the inquisition leaves the basic Imperial citizen and its Soldiers blind to the wider goings on of the galaxy. Not just to protect from the taint of chaos but also finding out how much better they could have it lol

 Arcsquad12 wrote:


Joining the Tau Empire is essentially trading one form of dictatorship for another, the difference being the ideologies. Fascism and Communism at their furthest extremes are both different takes on social control by individuals at the top.

Except that Communism still clings to the belief that all are equal under the same banner.

Not sure if fascism is better than communism or vice-versa, but being ruled by your fellow Humans makes much more sense than by aliens, despite all the benefits they offer.

 Laughing God wrote:

Go back and Read the BRB about the IoM over again. Very few of its worlds can be described as pleasant to live on.

The description of the Realm of Ultramar in the Horus Heresy novels, as well as the description of Astartes realms in general from Codex: Space Marines shows otherwise. And BL presentations (Cain and Gaunt novels) of civilized worlds in general aren't as bad as they're supposed to be. Overall, the Imperium's situation is bad, but not as bad as its made out to be.

and not to Segway the conversation but how is the Philippines better off being controlled by its own people if they are not as prosperous and efficient at ruling it than America? Besides nothing more than some misplaced ideal of nationalism or principle of disorganized independence?

Its not. But no one really cares. Most people just accept it as a fact of life and live with it. Its the price of freedom; to take responsibility for your own choices, no matter how hard life becomes as a result.

And by comparison why would someone’s loyalty to the Imperium keep them bound to a system that out right views them as an expendable resource on a miserable world leading a meaningless life? This is why the inquisition leaves the basic Imperial citizen and its Soldiers blind to the wider goings on of the galaxy. Not just to protect from the taint of chaos but also finding out how much better they could have it lol

Maybe, but the key point there is to protect against the threat of Chaos. Chaos is no trifling matter. The Tau should consider themselves lucky they have yet to face a full-on Chaos incursion.

Personally speaking, I've always viewed the 40k races as all being shades of grey - no-one is good, no-one is evil. If one race has a lot of 'good' points, by our standards, I'd expect them to have a lot of 'dark' points to them too to balance it out. However as the Tau were originally meant to be 'the good guys' I think, and have always thought, they are utterly pathetic and counter-productive for the 40k setting. So what if they wipe out the odd planet who refuses to join them or the odd spot of mind-control, it's nowhere near as dark as some of the other prime suspects (Imperium being the most obvious one). Just my opinion.

 Kroothawk wrote:
Wow, a lot of Tau haters not familiar with official Tau background here.

Official tau designer notes wrote:In contrast to other races, we wanted the Tau to be altruistic and idealistic, believing heartily in unification as the way forward. This meant that they would happily incorporate other races into their empire without subjugating them, instead enticing them in with the benefits of mutual protection, trade and technology.

So the correct answer is that some people including some humans prefer an Empire that doesn't subjugate them but instead gives them the benefits of mutual protection, trade and technology. Crazy, I know. But not everyone loves being treated like and killing his neighbors 9-5 all days a week.

You do realize that is from 2003? That's 10 years ago when Tau were introduced into Warhammer 40.000. Tau have changed now, GW made them more aggressive and added an interesting plot to conquer and control other species by using mask of mutual friendship, free trade, mutual protection and literally everything you have just named. There are even more interesting theories about Etherial mind control, population sterilization and more; Tau are becoming more and more grimdark because GW saw that not many people liked the idea of "good guys" in a universe that has gone to hell.

I am not Tau hater in any way, in fact i like them this way. It shows that behind the mask of friendly and reasonable race lays hidden a mask of manipulation and galactic dominance, I find Tau more interesting that way then simple "we are the good guys and we will protect you and give you resources - all for free because we are that good." And on point of original Tau notes:

Original Grey Knights were fighting arm of just Ordo Malleus, they numbered around 3.000, they didn't kill everybody that saw them and they worked closely with many Space Marine Chapters who honored their deeds in their halls of glory - that changed.

Original Necrons were mindless automatons who were enslaved by the C'Tan in order to feed upon galaxy and they went to sleep because of Enslave plague and to let the galaxy repopulate again so that they can harvest it again - that changed.

Ollanius Pius was the original character who saved the Emperor from Horus, buying him time to kill Horus - that changed.

Originally Sister of Battle numbered in millions - that changed too in 5'th edition.

Originally Space Marines were zealous protectors and defenders of Mankind - now only the likes of Space Wolves and Salamanders seems to care.

My point is that fluff changes over the years, and I would not be surprised if Tau change to be even more grimdark in their next codex. And giving what treatment they were getting when regarding stuff like this ( Dark Crusade Tau ending is one that example ) they are bound to be rewritten.

Who says Ultramarines don't care? Ultramar is the best place to live in the whole damn galaxy, and has the most efficient government the galaxy has seen since the Great Crusade.

As much as Tau "might" turn to be more grimdark then currently are, and be more manipulative, and hidden puppetmasters (doubt they will, it will step too much on eldar toes, maybe they will become more communist-like.) fact is, the life of a Tau citizen are still much better then an Imperial citizen, as long they don't get caught in a warzone, and then it's much the same.

Unlike the IoM the Tau actually gives you a chance, they give you a choice, and you have a way out of a fight other then "to the death, and sometimes a bit further", you can choose to surrender at any time and you will be treated relatively well, while the IoM might kill you because they suspect someone you barely know is possibly an heretic.

There is no such things as summery executions, inqusitors that can do whatever they please, "trials" where death is the best possible verdict, at least not publicly-if such things exist they are well hidden under a vail of fairness, and that alone is enough to give a man a shard of hope.

And hope is valuable, and nonexistent in the IoM.

 BoomWolf wrote:


And hope is valuable, and nonexistent in the IoM.

Not in the Realm of Ultramar, heart of the Ultima Segmentum, whose worlds shine like precious jewels amidst the darkness of the galaxy.

Admiral Valerian wrote:I'm really sorry about this, and I'm somewhat aware that Tau threads are flame-bait in the making, but I really do not understand. Why would anyone accept the rule of others than of their own people? The Tau Empire's 'clients' are basically 19th Century protectorates IN SPAAACE!!! I understand the Imperium's a somewhat difficult place to live in, but shouldn't living under your own people be more preferable than living under, well, something that isn't even Human to begin with?

"somewhat difficult" is like calling the plague a minor cold. and considering your living in a galaxy where everyone wants to kill you, eat you, use you as prayer/summoning fuel, or as slave labour, the offers of the tau are surprisingly OK. the imperium is a horrid, horrid place. no one should want to live under such an oppressive regime. you're talking about a regime where genocide is a daily occurence, where any step out of line breeds execution for you and your entire world from any one of dozens of political factions, and thats just from your "own" side.

Admiral Valerian wrote:

Not sure if fascism is better than communism or vice-versa, but being ruled by your fellow Humans makes much more sense than by aliens, despite all the benefits they offer.

The description of the Realm of Ultramar in the Horus Heresy novels, as well as the description of Astartes realms in general from Codex: Space Marines shows otherwise. And BL presentations (Cain and Gaunt novels) of civilized worlds in general aren't as bad as they're supposed to be. Overall, the Imperium's situation is bad, but not as bad as its made out to be.

ultramar is the exception, and is touted basically as the best place in the galaxy to live. then again, you are expected to serve, and to do your duty. no complaints. go and die for the emperor now on some throne damed rock a million light years from home. as to other astartes realms, you should have a look at the radiation soaked wasteland, populated by psychopathic mutants that is Baal, the death world that is Fenris where death is always but a heartbeat away. how about other worlds - ever fancy living on a hive world? try armageddon, or harakon or any other of the thousands of hive worlds out there. billions cramped into a space meant for a few thousand. recycled air. 16hour workshifts for bare scraps of food. if you're lucky! how about living as a machine slave on a forge world? Or joining the endless and never enging prayer chanting groups on a world ruled by the echlesiarchy.

read elsewhere. try this for an example. IAV11 shows that the polulation on the world engaged in daily riots that were brutally, and continually supressed by shocking levels of violence from their own protectors, because the conditions they were forced to endure, and the workload they were forced to deal with was so horrid. how about Imperial armour 5-7 that showcases the life of the folks on Vraks before the invasion? It was pretty miserable fare. thats the standard, my good man.


So a guy comes along and offers you something better for yourself, and for your family? what do you do?

Civilized worlds form most of the Imperium's worlds. Those worlds you mention are exceptions as much as Ultramar's worlds are, if not more so, since the Ultramarines and their descendants supposedly form three-fifths of all Chapters, and they all follow Ultramar's example. So yes, Astartes realms in general aren't so bad. As for serving the Emperor and die light-years away from home, sorry, but that's what it means to be part of something greater than yourself. The sacrifice of heroes such as they keep Mankind alive. I'd love to see the Tau negotiate and talk some sense into the Forces of Chaos, the Eldar, the Dark Eldar, and the Orks. Then there's the Tyranids. And the Necrons. That should be something to see

Kroothawk wrote:

Official tau designer notes wrote:In contrast to other races, we wanted the Tau to be altruistic and idealistic, believing heartily in unification as the way forward. This meant that they would happily incorporate other races into their empire without subjugating them, instead enticing them in with the benefits of mutual protection, trade and technology.

Thanks! I had assumed as much from reading other material, but never saw the original designers notes.

Arcsquad12 wrote:Aren't the official codexes and designer notes intended to be written in the form of propaganda that would enhance the positives of each race?

The codices, sure, I can see that (especially the bits referring to "legends", "sagas" and other stories) - but how can obviously out-of-universe designers' notes explaining what the studio intended to convey be construed as "propaganda"?

Admiral Valerian wrote:The description of the Realm of Ultramar in the Horus Heresy novels, as well as the description of Astartes realms in general from Codex: Space Marines shows otherwise. And BL presentations (Cain and Gaunt novels) of civilized worlds in general aren't as bad as they're supposed to be. Overall, the Imperium's situation is bad, but not as bad as its made out to be.

Just like any product of this franchise, Black Library novels are the individual interpretations of their individual writers. This means that they may very well conflict with other material on the basis that the author had a different opinion or personal preference. So long as the general "look and feel" is kept intact, the studio grants considerable leeway to license-holders. I know for sure that I don't agree at all with how the Cain novels depict the Sororitas, for example. Just like I don't agree with the Tau practicing something as crude as mind control, when I think that propaganda is perfectly sufficient for the job ... and a much more devious tool to manipulate the masses, as human history has shown. If people don't understand the latter, I imagine that is so because we as a society have become so used to it by now.

The Realm of Ultramar is a shining example of what mankind would be able to achieve in the stars, yet fails to do because of internal bickering between the countless Imperial organisations and factions that came to be over the course of millennia, all clinging to what power they have and being willing to sacrifice the welfare of the people entrusted to their care in order to drive their political cause onward. If you want to see how the vast majority of humans fare, read the Imperium's description in the rulebooks. Read about how people toil for endless hours in vast, dark manufactoriums, crafting weapons of war with bare hands or ill-suited tools, breathing noxious fumes. Read about Adeptus Arbites enforcers brutally and efficiently clearing the streets and imposing the iron will of the Administratum. Read about indentured workers and mutant slaves being oppressed and abused. Read about the debauched scions of high nobility hunting lower class humans for sports. Read about people being tortured and burned for following a harmless but unsanctioned faith. Read about valiant Guardsmen get rushed over a mine field to blow up the explosives, their bodies being considered more expendable than the precious tanks.

The Imperium is a really, really gakky place to live in. If you did not get this idea so far, then I am tempted to say that you have read the wrong books - but as mentioned before, it's all a matter of interpretation and personal preferences.

In any case, the above explains well how the Tau are able to influence the Imperium and other races. You have to keep in mind that Imperial worlds are almost cut off from the rest of the realm, seeing little of the wider Imperium other than the tithe ships demanding tribute and scheming Imperial Adepta wielding their political influence like a sledgehammer shattering the local governor's and his people's wishes and dreams, should they conflict with what some guy on faraway Terra thinks is "right". The Tau Empire would - at least ostensibly - seem to offer a more fair treatment of its member worlds, enticing potential candidates with free shipments of food and technology, something that the Imperium never did ... less out of some nefarious intention, but rather because the Imperium's red tape proves to be such an immobilising force that the Imperium is all but incapable of adequately supporting all its worlds.

That's probably the most appealing thing about the Tau Empire: When you need them, they will be there.

Plus, the Tau Empire already incorporates several other species, and when the humans, or at least some of them, are shown this fact, they may get the idea that in spite of what they were told all along from that uncaring oppressive government, "living together in harmony" might actually just work. It won't stop Chaos or the 'nids, but that's a problem for another day.
Also, obviously the Tau's diplomatic tricks won't work on every world. It all depends on the culture that has evolved locally.

Brother Captain Alexander wrote:Originally Sister of Battle numbered in millions - that changed too in 5'th edition.

I have no idea where that number comes from, but it's bollocks. The first and only hard numbers we got were in the 2E Codex, and that was 30k for both the major Convents. This has been kept a constant in all succeeding editions, if only in an abstracted way ("thousands of sisters").

You are quite correct about fluff changing - but you have to consider who is doing the change. For example, GW won't have to care at all whether some random computer game (like Dark Crusade) went a different path on this subject. As a fan, you are at liberty to pick what sources you want to include into your perception of the setting (the blessing and the curse of 40k as a franchise), but only the studio's own material can truly illustrate the studio's position.

I also don't quite agree with all Space Marines having been "zealous protectors and defenders of mankind". If that were the case, we would not have gotten the Horus Heresy, and that's one of the oldest tenets of the setting's background. And the Space Wolves care only about the little realm they control, else they would have deposed Bucharis rather than letting him run amok right on their front door.

So first off, design notes on the Tau are not relevant to this discussion. Whatever the studio employee originally sought to create is one thing; what the Tau have been presented as ever since is quite another.

The Tau are imperialists. They see their own ways as the most rational and therefore expect any sentient beings capable of reason to accept them. Of course, by "their ways" we don't mean "love and happiness and kindness" we mean "bow to the absolute authority of the Ethereals in a stratified society."

In the sense of what the top-down model of authority demands on the individual, the Tau Empire is just the Imperium painted in lighter shades of grey. Because they speak to a larger demographic, the Tau seem to take greater pains with their marketing (read: propaganda) efforts. This also means that there is a more general need for secret police in Tau society. In the DW sourcebooks, you will see that gue'vesa that don't march along "disappear." In the Imperium, dissenters are just shot in the face -- ideally in front of
other dissenters.

The only significant difference between the Imperium and the Tau is that the Tau believe their values are not species-specific. If we take the Tau fluff at face value, leaving all conspiracy theories about mind control by the wayside, the Tau seem to believe that their ideals are universal and not in any way contingent on their own history, culture, biology, etc. The Imperium, by contrast, believes that (1) only humans can understand and are subject to human values, (2) human values are the only values that matter, and (3) because aliens cannot share human values, they will inevitably and naturally oppose them.

So the difference is that the Tau want to rule the galaxy by ruling all other sentient races and destroying any race that will not bow to them. The Imperium generally believes the only way humans can rule the galaxy at all is by eliminating all other races.

Because what the Tau offer is preferable to the status quo to most Imperials. When you're a slave on an Industrial World living in a shack under constant terror of your overseers, a new way of life and some kind of legal equality/respect seems promising. The Tau don't offer freedom, this is true. But they do offer a life better then what many if not most in the Imperium have.

If I wrote a short story about a human who sought a better life by defecting to the Tau, I think the genre would have to be horror. Yes the Imperium is a gakky place. But the expectation that living under the Tau would be better is unjustified. So the protagonist of my story would escape the obviously soul-crushing demands of Imperial society and, just as he breathed a sigh of relief, would notice that his unknowably alien masters had expectations of him that, as a human, he is not equipped to understand much less fulfill. And then the punishment would begin.

"Why do you refuse to cooperate in the Greater Good, Gue'vesa?"

ZAAAAAAP!

"Ahhh! No more, Por'la. I love the Ethereals!"

"Then why do you refuse the Greater Good?"

ZAAAAAAP!

"Ah, please, please, no. I accept the Greater Good with all my heart! No more!"

"You cannot deceive us, human."

ZAAAAAAP!

"God Emperor, help me! No more!"

"You see, human, you see how you refuse the Greater Good? It truly pains us to do this."

ZAAAAAAP!

People who suggest life under the Tau would be better are making one big assumption: that Tau and humans are basically interchangable. But Tau are not just more reasonable humans that happen to be wearing alien costumes (the "Star Trek" approach to aliens). They are inhuman. They are really aliens, as unfamiliar on the inside as they are on the outside. This is the point of Eldar: they may superficially look like us but they are nothing like us. The Tau don't even look like us. But the hellish aspects of Imperial society are so awful that humans want to believe the Tau propaganda -- apparently both in-setting and IRL.

 Manchu wrote:
If I wrote a short story about a human who sought a better life by defecting to the Tau, I think the genre would have to be horror. Yes the Imperium is a gakky place. But the expectation that living under the Tau would be better is unjustified. So the protagonist of my story would escape the obviously soul-crushing demands of Imperial society and, just as he breathed a sigh of relief, would notice that his unknowably alien masters had expectations of him that, as a human, he is not equipped to understand much less fulfill. And then the punishment would begin.

"Why do you refuse to cooperate in the Greater Good, Gue'vesa?"

ZAAAAAAP!

"Ahhh! No more, Por'la. I love the Ethereals!"

"Then why do you refuse the Greater Good?"

ZAAAAAAP!

"Ah, please, please, no. I accept the Greater Good with all my heart! No more!"

"You cannot deceive us, human."

ZAAAAAAP!

"God Emperor, help me! No more!"

"You see, human, you see how you refuse the Greater Good? It truly pains us to do this."

ZAAAAAAP!

People who suggest life under the Tau would be better are making one big assumption: that Tau and humans are basically interchangable. But Tau are not just more reasonable humans that happen to be wearing alien costumes (the "Star Trek" approach to aliens). They are inhuman. They are really aliens. This is the point of Eldar: they may superficially look like us but they are nothing like us. The Tau don't even look like us. But the hellish aspects of Imperial society are so awful that humans want to believe the Tau propaganda -- apparently both in-setting and IRL.

And your reference for tau torturing humans on a whim is? Try exchanging Greater Good for God Emperor? Or refusing to march earns you the Commissars bolt shell award.
I remember resding a fluff blurb in the BFG resources I think, how the crew of a vimperial Navy vessel defected while the Admiral 'negotiated' with the Ethreal. They all seemed well treated.

The Demiurg, Kroot, and vespid all highly respected, while humans may have to earn that respect, while working towards the Greater Good they will be well treated.

The best analogy I can think of is that the Tau 'will use the carrot before having to use the rod'
The Imperium are unaware that they even have a carrot they could use, and just use the rod. No incentives or bonus... Do, or die in life or as a Servitor.