The cancellation of the event by the Order is a huge mistake.
Taking on the odds, taking and embracing the role that you are given to give your faction a reason to play... that's the way to go.
You would not have lost anything.
You would not have gained anything... but: activity, a chance to play your faction in a meaningful way, a chance to show that you are still around and a faction to be respected.
You just let a situation pass where you could have shone.
A major mistake.