I like this casting a lot! I've seen her in Lion and she's both beautiful and fierce! She seems to have good taste in Warders as well.
I think you're probably right, Leo Sedai. The Aes Sedai are a big deal but you don't really realize how big until Fal Dara. But with TV they need to hook you early so you keep watching.
I worry that they're damaging the show's chances of success because there are a lot of stupid people out there who can't recognize satire and thus won't tune in.