So, Malack...

[hamishspence]

If you mean that Tarquin should have come up with something better, I think the important thing for Tarquin is that he represents a marginal improvement on the pre-existing order.

We don't know that.

Finally, I'm generally utilitarian in ethics. I seldom, although not never, believe in absolute principles and I think that a preponderance of belief in absolute principles is a large contributor to human unhappiness.

That explains a lot.

I agree that he's evil, but I think in his case the ends justify the means and side effects and I think as a historical figure Tarquin would be seen as a flawed, but necessary figure.

Really? Might depend on the era. And even then, a case could be made that his behaviour pattern is more "will go down in infamy" than "necessary".