The persistence of aristocratic titles is only one indication of the reactionary nature of the ARR - a far better one, as you point out, are its incorporation into itself of virtually private armies. It's also telling that from the earliest points had its power base in the Senate. The Senate gets conflated with a democratic chamber because Lucas doesn't know anything about anything, but it isn't. It doesn't represent populations, but individual worlds regardless of population, as well as groups like the Trade Federation and Techno Union. It is more like a medieval Estate than anything else.
Do you want help with that whitewash, Tom?
Aren't the Greyjoys supporting the Iron Throne at this point? Or is that just in the show?By the way, the Ironborn are a perfect example of a despicable "Resistance" that is way worse than the "Empire..."