Nute Gunray, Rune Haako and Daultay Dofine were the ones that unwittingly led the Trade Federation into the mess which secured Palpatines ascension to power. But two of these had the chance to change the fate of the galaxy but never took it.

As it says in the Databank, Nute Gunray was forced into leadership:

During a cleverly staged assault at an Eriadu trade conference, Gunray was lured away from an attack that killed the other Directorate members. As such, Gunray found himself with the title of Viceroy, and Sidious had an even more powerful pawn at his disposal.

None of the other 3, Hath Monchar (which was later assasinated), Rune Haako or Daultay Dofine were not picked even though they're equally a part of the plot. Why? Why did Sidious exactly want Gunray at all? He shares the same characteristics with all Neimodians (cowardice, unscrupulous, backstabbing) one would think. Surely, there's no differance?

But there is a differance. In fact, Nute Gunray is described as being more cutthroat than most and brash which in turn would make him the most likely one to fall for Sidious promises and therefore easiest to controll. Haako was considerably more pessimistic and careful than Gunray and Dofine was cowardly. They were not as strong or, paradoxically as weak as Gunray. That's what makes these two the more suitable leaders for the Trade Federation.

When can start off by saying that, yes, Dofine and Haako aren't probably the nicest beings in the galaxy but that shouldn't hinder us from taking a look and maybe accepting their competence.

First off, both Daultay Dofine and Rune Haako stood up too Nute Gunray.

Dofine: "Are you braindead? I'm not going in with two Jedi!"

Haako: "Now there are two? This is getting out of hand."

Though this isn't dissent against Gunrays way off running things, it still shows that there's an atmosphere of actually speaking your mind around the Viceroy. Which, given the backstabbing nature of Neimodians, could be used to their own advantage. It is strange that it was never used though...

Though his nature is described as greedy, deceitful and cowardly, Dofine actually managed to gathers enough bravery to go against Darth Sidious.

Dofine: "Lord Sidious, this scheme of yours has failed. We cannot go against the Jedi"

Rune Haako never did this, but he managed to stop Gunray from doing something brash several times, acting as a counterweight. I'm sure this annoyed Sidious too as much as Dofines insubordination had done. Rune Haako also aired his misgiving about working together with Sidious several times.

That shows us that here are two that will speak their minds and want to change the situation, though trying to save their own and the Trade Federations skin. Unfortunately, they failed to place the blame on the being responsible for everything, Nute Gunray.

Secondly, this was not a comfortable situation for both of them. They were out of their league and they knew that. Had they been in charge prior or during the events on Naboo, it seems likely they would've negotiated with the Jedi.

Another example of how well suited Rune Haako is for the job is how his prefered working place is described: in arenas that suited his tastes -- namely executive board rooms and business negotiations -- Haako was merciless and manipulative.

We all could agree that this is better suited for the Trade Federation than engaging in warfare.

So the conclusion I reach is that a constellation of an Haako/Dofine leadership could have saved the Trade Federation and the galaxy. They were too weak, cowardly and pessimistic to get caught and fully engaged in Sidious plans like Nute Gunray. However, it's hard to say if it would've been like this since they never achieved their ranks through skill, buth through their cooperation with Sidious.

Daultay Dofine was killed during the Battle of Naboo and Rune Haako was tricked into cooperating with the Sith which lead to his death on Mustafar. If only they had voiced dissatisfaction with Gunray instead of Sidious, then something completely different could've happened to the galaxy.

And as a sidenote; is it a coincidence that the cocky droid captain on the Invisible Hand is under the command of Lushros Dofine, a relative of Daultay Dofine? Maybe there some kind of rebellious streak in the family...