I agree about the introduction for the Jedi, it is good. But don't you think the Neimoidians are being portrayed as puppets already? One of them calls the blockade "your scheme" (to Sidious) and we see them taking orders from, and reporting to Sidious throughout the entire movie. They are puppets alright, but Sidious doesn't really come into action until ROTS. In TPM, and to some extent AOTC, the Neimoidians are our bad guys, or are at least the faces of the bad guys. That's why I think they need a bit more introduction.

Yes, they could have poisoned the drinks, but those were sent before Gunray had even received the order to kill the Jedi from Sidious. ;)