> underestimated the agency of indigenous cultures l

yeah thinking "we shouldn't influence poor locals because obviously we can do it so easily" is a little condescending.

I know people from the west who reject religion but pretend just enough to get some benefit from the church, why assume locals are too dumb to do it.

there were historic cases where native people rejected a religion and paid price in blood. THAT is a problem. if there is no forcing, there is no problem.