TBH, I see nothing either controversial or unexpected from this merge. Minmatars are already quite infamous for their affinity for criminality.
Besides, I don’t see the status quo changing. EM are known for their disposition against the State and Empire - even while they’re not our direct enemies, I believe when met in space they could be considered as one. PNO are a shelter organization for criminal groups, and in addition to that they has shown themselves as direct enemies of Amarr Empire (and by thus - of Caldari State).
Now they’re fighting together… and what? We’d have to deal with them one by one if they wouldn’t unite their forces anyway.