Ten great generals

[Flavivs Aetivs]

Stilicho's policies were very detrimental to the empire though, while Aetius' benefited the Empire more than they hurt it

Can't say I agree. I personally really bought in to Gibbons praise of Aetius at first, but digging deeper changed my feelings on it. His handling of Bonifacius for one. After reading Hughes, Ian (2010). Stilicho: The Vandal Who Saved Rome I really started to like his story and efforts more and more.

Although I see your point, I disagree. Stilicho's policy of an attempted Invasion of the East is what prompted the Uprisings in Britain and Spain, as the Imperial Army was engaged elsewhere, especially after Alaric turned on Stilicho. The Vandals et al. probably decided to cross the Rhine at that point because they heard Roman control was collapsing in that area.

Aetius is usually criticized for neglecting Africa, but that is not true. The Western Empire simply had no Navy; what ships they had were at Carthage. When the East withdrew its navy in response to the Huns, all Aetius could do was march back to Gaul and prepare Italy for Barbarian raids. The tax policies in the 440's as recorded in the Novella Valentinanus saved the Army from being completely dismantled, and revitalized the Farming industry in Southern Italy and parts of Gaul.

Aetius did not neglect Spain either, which Hydatius criticized him for, as he sent Armies there several times to stop the expansion of the Suebes. First in 437 or 438, then in 441, 443, and 446. Vitus ultimately failed when the Visigoths broke and fled, but had much success initially. Merobaudes and Astyrius were both successful in controlling and putting down the Bacaudic groups in Spain.