Iroh and the council of five could actually make a really good team and escape if they worked together, assuming that Iroh and them were willing to take the risk. They might even be able to take back Ba Sing Se! *Thinking of Dai lee,* well maybe not, unless the council of five have mad earth bending skills. But still, Azula and Zuko are a very dangerous team.
But it would definitely be interesting if one of the general's recognized Iroh from his Siege! Though they look a bit too young, at least most of them. I think one of them had grey hair, and a beard.
Course I could be wrong, I didn't pay THAT close attention. heh.