Bella and Lilly would build up the Soldat clan's strength through allies or tools. Liv, Jo and Robyn would go ape shit and try to conquer weaker clans. Aki and Jas would assassinate or trick the clans into killing each other.
Zanele and her group of elders, who were all still Phantoms, showed their lack of resolve. I wasn't able to detect any soulgears on them. And none of their guards were Specters. They only used the beads of Hannibal as a ward.
If it were me, I would have either forced myself to become a Specter no matter the cost. Both the elders and Zanele lacked that mindset. They just twiddled their thumbs, helpless. The elders, in particular, aimed for lofty status but contributed nothing.
"Zanele, a piece of advice. The reason your clan is weak is because of the old fuckers around you. They pushed you into a role of responsibility. But, they refuse to gain strength or knowledge. Still, you are equally to blame."