As I stated previously, I've played through the game four times, completely un-screwed. If it screws with *your* game to not use the tadpoles, then use them. I'm sure an improvement in the balance between using and not using them would be welcome by most, but I fail to see myself as screwed for not sharing that opinion.

Also,
I feel that when the Emperor reveals his true identity at last, a lot of the story-issues around whether he is working for the same interests as Tav are resolved. To my mind, being who he is completely explains why he is trying to force people to utilize every tool at their disposal to save Baldur's Gate at any costs, including their own lives or souls. Tav is just another soldier. Another tool to throw at saving his beloved city. He might have generally good feelings towards Tav, but as a known deceiver willing to manipulate anyone to his own ends (and given his previous position and power), his thoughtlessness could be marked up to the typical thoughtlessness nobility often show to the common folks. Not using the tadpoles and refusing to bow a knee to the Emperor (which he clearly expected) seemed like a valid story choice, since it was something Tav was constantly (to a point) told to do: obey.

As far as mechanics go, I'm willing to stipulate other games have done it better, and perhaps Larian will improve BG3 in that respect. But it is nonetheless a choice one can make in BG3 to not use tadpoles and still make it through to the end. If that makes me stupid, well, just think how much more impressive magic is to me than to anyone else!

"Often forcing his victims to eat their own lips, he was caught and imprisoned for tax evasion." -Yellowbeard.