[Senmut]

I think one reason for why the Council behaves this way is that they are in essence the same bunch who got the Colonies into this mess in the first place. A bunch of old men, used to wealth, comfort, and easy authority. The hardships of life abaord the Fleet, especially since Apollo et al stripped Uri of his luxuries, don't sit well with them, showing them to be a bunch of selfish politicians who miss power. They sulk and whine for their lost power. They chafe under Adama and he galls them. So, when they encounter an advanced Human civilization, they selfishly assume that it's goals and needs will mesh with their own, regardless of what anyone, be it the scientists or Warriors might say. Ignoring the report of A & SB, they show their deep down contempt for the military. They have the conceit of those who assume that any and everyone is reasonable, i.e. thinks the same as they do, and will talk in good faith. It is only Adama's deep and near-immovable reverance for the Colonial system of freely elected government that keeps him from pulling a Cromwell, and ruling by personal fiat.