The SW example muddies the water because we didn't have pre-empire content in New Hope; that came later. Though I would say the difference is if the opposing faction is maintaining a status quo that has been in place and was not ushered in by them. Then, its not being reactive or conservative. Though, I think we are taking the trees for the forest here. Id say the main point is the PCs creating a resistance and forming a way for revolution instead of joining one already in progress. There is no defined white hat and black hat, thats up for the PCs to decide.