Is “Historical evaluation of Wei Xiao's separatist rule in Longyou” true?

The 'Book of Han, Narrative of the Author' only records Wei Xiao as a negative figure who superstitiously sought separatism and did not recognize the Mandate of Heaven, recording Ban Biao's admonition: 'Knowing that Wei Xiao would never awaken, he then fled to Hexi.' The 'Book of the Later Han, Biographies of Wei Xiao and Gongsun Shu' sets up a dedicated biography, and at the end of the chapter, the historical commentary highly praises his gathering of heroes and defending Longyou to the death: 'Wei Xiao raised his banner and rallied his clan, pretending to be guided by the gods. Looking at his initial plans and actions, one can discern his style... Thus one knows that his way had enough to cherish, so he gathered the heroes of the four directions, and scholars were willing to die without regret.' One book condemns him for not understanding, the other cherishes his ability to win over scholars.