The main problem with the new incarnation of the War Island is that there was too much hype for it—even before I announced that it would be happening.
Everyone had this shining golden ideal of the War Island as the pinnacle of BattleMaster, and nothing could possibly have lived up to that. Furthermore, I think there must have been at least 12 groups per realm that were absolutely convinced that they would get to be in charge and they would get to define, all by themselves, what it meant to be xxx-lakian. When those groups clashed, they caused all the infighting that weakened Sandalak and crippled Ikalak.
Taselak was, in some sense, lucky that what they got was a load of multis, because when they were caught, they could just be locked, and the rest of us move on with our lives. Being selfish and foolish isn't reason enough to lock people, so the other two realms had to figure it all out for themselves.
From everything I've heard here, it strikes me that Dustole just wasn't expecting the War Island mindset. He was too much tied up in the way Dwilight works, with every noble being out for himself. And from everything I've seen of him, his nobles are fantastic on Dwilight, the FEI, and other islands. I just think he was expecting more of the same on the War Island, and wasn't prepared for what he actually found.
The War Islands aren't a place for intrigue, or arrogant Dukes who do their own thing and appoint their friends. They're a place for everyone to work together, usually under the direction of the General or Ruler. (Ideally those two will agree, so it'll be the direction of both.) The War Islands aren't a place for schemers who want to rise to power within their own realm at whatever cost; they're a place for ambitious, charismatic young strategists who can prove themselves in battle, then gain the support of the people and win high office that way. People who will lead, not just rule. People who will unite, not divide and conquer (within their own realm).
But finally...seriously, Dustole? A tournament grounds? What the hell was the point of that?