Play devils advocate for a bit: of course they should model themselves after the villains! Villains get shit done and change the world, and use it to the fullest potential.

'Heroes' are the schmucks who get roped around and fail to make things better until the very end at best, and even then leave massive amounts of preventable harm.

If one sets out to change the world don't be a hero, be a villain. It is horrifying, sure but it is the logical conclusion.