Vivienne calls most Circles "too permissive" despite how she herself got to enjoy a Circle that was "permissive" enough to let her physically leave and mingle with the nobility (without Templar supervision) whenever she wanted, despite how most Circles were notorious for being too restrictive and tyrannical and wouldn't allow most mages to so much as receive letters from home, let alone leave.
Or maybe most Circles were much more permissive than her Circle. Just because she was granted special leave doesn't mean others were. She likely had to work hard to earn that trust from her Circle's Knight-Commander. And the number of Circles with outright oppression were probably far fewer than what common mages (such as Anders) claimed. Perceived injustices.
She claims she'll use her power to benefit everyone, but when does she actually do that? Never.
She got Celene to respect mages, and turned a position reserved for parlor tricks into one of arcane advisory. This very act alone improved the lot of all mages, because from that point on each new ruler of Orlais would feel compelled to continue to allow that position to exist as one of advice and recommendation. That means the rulers of Orlais would constantly consult with mages on important matters, thus giving mages a voice with the most powerful ruler in Thedas.
Also, she did put her powers and resources at the Inquisition's disposal. She ran an effective Circle, and she advocated against rebellion.
As Divine, she enacts sensible reforms that gave mages more freedom and privileges. She also allowed the College Fraternities to continue to exist.
She attends lavish parties with equally self-serving nobles, and after Trespasser she just uses her power to keep mages locked in Circles despite how she herself spends as little time in the Circle herself, and doesn't concern herself with the abuses and human rights violations she dismisses when she hears them from other mages.
No she doesn't. Don't forget that the Circles are lavish as well. Compared to the houses and even some estates, the Circles are better constructed. The Circles also have a greater flow of revenue than some cities. All that wealth goes toward providing the mages with food, shelter, a thorough education, clothes, and materials to complete their work. Compare that to what the commoners have. Living hand-to-mouth in rundown shacks. Huddling together to stay warm at night. Getting attacked by wild animals. Getting robbed whenever they do manage to get some money. Oh but they have freedom, right? Freedom to obey all the laws and commands of whatever noble lord runs that part of the countryside.
I wonder how she'd feel about Circles if she was forced to live in one and never physically leave?
You mean like how she did most of her life? She liked the Circles, and she disliked some things. Whatever her outcome after Trespasser she will work to improve the Circles regardless.
Circles are great for other mages as long as Vivienne herself can live in her Duke lover's chateau, make appearances at Court, and frequent lavish parties as much as she wants; and she will literally sell her own kind down the river in order to maintain her own freedoms and privilege. (Since, as a Circle mage, her freedom comes from putting down her own kind to impress mage-fearing muggles.)
She only puts down bad mages who are causing problems or hurting people. Circles are great for mages regardless of how Vivienne lives. That reality is separate from anything to do with her.
Heck when you get down to it, Solas thinks he's better than other people. Better than any Qunari. Better than most elves (better than any city elf, certainly) and probably better than any non-mage.
Eh, depends on the Solas, but he thought that way at first. Of course, his problem was that he didn't even see other people as people, yet saw spirits as people. But there is also a part of Solas that is self-hating. He sees the current "problem" with the world as his fault. He believes he should pay the price for his mistake... just not right now. The real "people" need him.
Vivienne's the First Enchanter of the Monstsimmard Circle. The only one to remain with the Chantry.
I think Hasmal stayed with the Chantry, and I'm sure Ostwick did too. Don't know about Kinloch, but I assume it would have, especially if it was saved in Origins.
That tells me that she managed to keep the mages under her care happy enough that they didn't run off with Fiona. While at the same time keeping the Templars from coming down on her.
I might not go that far. It's also possible that she kept them all in line through intimidation, or perhaps a mix of incentive and intimidation.
I'd say she used her power to benefit everyone in her Circle.
I agree with that.
What makes you think Vivieenne (again she is FIRST ENCHANTER of her Circle) wouldn't grant permission for others to leave? Where does that benefit her?
Exactly. Allowing mages to leave is fine so long as they are trustworthy. She wouldn't let inexperienced or troubled mages leave because any misstep on their part would reflect badly on the entire Circle.
She was strict. That doesn't mean oppressive or hypocritical. Ooh, so she wasn't a warm and fuzzy grandparent figure like Irving. Big deal. That doesn't make her bad.