In order of preference: TR (9), NC (7), and VS (6).
With the numbers reflecting my liking of them.
And no. The world wants VS and NC. And the
wise choose TR. But by no one's stretch of the imagination, especially my own, do I feel that I'm wise... so... I dunno. We know too little of each empire. Just like I said waaaaaaaaaay back, in my first post here.
I think we need more information to make a good guestimate. Also, I hope there's something that allows you to try the different sides out... much like a Tutorial or something similar to what EQ had.