I don’t think the Borg are exactly ruthless though, because in their mind they are just helping.

They pursue their goals without regard for the interests of the people those goals affect. They exhibit no mercy and no pity for their victims. That’s ruthlessness in my book.

In their minds, they are acting out of pity, and in the best interests of the people they are assimilating.

I mean, the best villains don’t see themselves as villains…doesn’t mean they’re not evil.

No, but ruthless isn’t exactly the same thing as evil.

True, but “ruthless” is also synonymous with merciless and cruel, both of which fit perfectly.

Except the Borg believe that they are on a mission of mercy.

Again, I’d argue their beliefs aren’t really relevant. Almost every conquering culture believes it’s doing the conquered a favor; doesn’t make their conquest any less ruthless.

I don’t think the Founder felt that she was doing the Solids a favor. She just saw the Solids as a threat to the Changelings, and was willing to do whatever was necessary to eliminate that threat.

Depends on when and to what degree she and the other Founders were being honest. While, yes, fear and protectionism were motivators, so too was a belief that the order the Founders could bring to the solids’ chaos was beneficial.