I agree with your last point—the Solar Council should have provided conditional aid. The most basic assistance could have removed the justification for cannibalism.
But would removing the justification really mater given the entrenched power structure that has grown dependant on a certain way of veiwing other humans?
The cannibalism is not the primary issue, but is a clear indicator that the inspectors have been lied to and slavery is present, which was previously clearly established as one of the major disqualifying cultural traits.
The cannibalism is not the primary issue, but is a clear indicator that the inspectors have been lied to and slavery is present, which was previously clearly established as one of the major disqualifying cultural traits.