As a Smuggler I found the choices to be rather simple. First I saved the Imperial Admiral, she was clearly the most important figure of the 3 IMO and it helps build ties with the Empire. In the message after apparently Empress Acina was greatful of the choice as well, so that worked nicely.
Secondly I saved the Republic (Tai), the Smuggler has ok ties with the Republic but not as strong as the other 3 republic classes so saving him made sense to make the alliance stronger.
The Zakkul woman didn't seem useful and I feel the alliance has already exhausted its potential on Zakkul, who was really left to recruit? Already took Scorpio (was useful for awhile I guess ), Kaliyo, The Scions, Havoc Squad. Didn't think saving her would have much benefit overall at the current point. The alliance needs a unified Empire and Republic against the true enemy to win.
These choices overall will have minimal impact but I did like my reasoning for my actions.