ForceofNature I don't remember Simon and co throwing their enemies into a prison to grind them down before (trying to) killing them. That's the PAP. Well, and Hester, but mostly the PAP for ch 3.
Point understood though. The NUP's scheme isn't the worst, and the likes of Iris springing troubles in Stineford to force Donovan to return may be roughly on par with that.
Cazador I agree that political parties in Zirantia aren't very deep, but frankly I don't think there are many instances in which Simon and co would actually give a damn about them. Zirantia is, quoting Esthera, "a weak nation already sorely tested". Simon and co are probably more concerned about building New Givini, Tak'kan, and the Chalice States, stabilizing Yhilin, and pacifying Aram and Ardoheim. I still hope they could play a greater role though. Maybe the PAP or the NAP launches a coup during the Great Thenoursan War or the Incubus War. Maybe the OZL and the NUP agree to a temporary alliance to fend off the airships during the Incubus War Aftermath. Anything to point that they just aren't sidelined.