It's all relative. Alot of imperials hate the republic because of the atrocities it committed against them. Check the holorecords. The biggest reason the empire returned was because it was brutally wronged by the republic in the first place. Granted the government is full of backstabbing, aggressive maniacs, but most of the citizens seem content regardless. Both sides have their rebellions, but from what I've seen most of the republics came from before the war, from people who weren't happy with the government that had been ruling them, while the Empire's rebellion are mostly groups of people who aren't crazy about the change without even giving it a chance.

I feel like the Mandalorian would be too similar to the bounty hunter, although it would be cool and represent a new oppurtunity for story. Personally in the next expansion I'd rather see them do alot more with space ships than add largely unnecessary classes. I love space combat in general, and I think alot of people can agree it's somewhat lacking. The ships are cool and all, but there really isnt a whole lot to do with em that doesnt get repetitive.