Not every effort cause an instant result, just like Rome wasn't built in a day. Garet hasn't unchanged at all.
It describes a world floats on the belts of Alphas, Betas and Omegas. And there always has reasons why it exist just like our civilization. They obey the rules and valves which are completely different from our lands.
Comparison isn't for the situation when the modern tinted glasses on, especially without the environmental conditions. Look back at our slave era -- if you forcely help a slave escape from the farm, please image, would he thank for your kindness because he could end his life early after a deadly chase from masters from vast lands, or curse you for taking the painful peace for him away?