None of this information should surprise us. The people were unhappy with the way they were being treated. On top of the burdensome tribute, they had to endure the taunts and physical oppression of the Lamanites. It is not surprising that under those circumstances they would want to deliver themselves from the their troubles. It is also not surprising that they would want to do so militarily, as they would remember having success against the Lamanites. They have previously beaten back Lamanite advances, and very recently ambushed and beaten one Lamanite army. After much pleading, it is also not surprising that Limhi relented and allowed his people to fight.