I'd choose the first room. I love the Republic and I really wanted to play as a Jedi originally. But alas, Bounty Hunters are too awesome (I could blame Bioware for that part, but why would I want to?) and all my friends are on the Empire so here I am...
But yes you're right OP. This is a problem brought on by the bloodthirsty, power-hungry players, not Bioware.