One of the things common to all of the Dylan-Four is that they have placed themselves in positions to influence - but not determine- humanities destiny. Based on all we have seen to date, there are accurate prophecies that describe the events transpiring on the show, and the Cylons are aware of them (esp Leoban and the First Hybrid). It is likely that the Five were well aware of who would be important players before they went into "sleeper" mode, and are subconsiously trying to herd humanity down the proper path.

Examples:

Tigh:
Old friend of and advisor to Bill Adama.
May have influenced him to get back into the military.
Leader of resistance on Caprica.
Pushes Starbuck hard, much as her mother abused her to prepare her for her "special desitiny."

Tyrol:
Becomes chief tech aboard Adama's ship.
Romances a cylon agent, which may have stopped her from destroying the fleet, and changes in her later have dramatic consequences for the S7 Cylons.
Also a leader in the resistance
Helps find the temple on the algae planet, which will lead them to the Ionian nebula, reveal the final 4, and let them find Starbuck with the path to Earth

Tori:
Advisor to President Roslin, the Dying Leader
Tries to steal an election (with Tigh's help as I recall) to ensure Roslin remains the leader and humanity does not settle New Caprica

Anders:
Waits on New Caprica to assist Starbuck (who will return to Galactica with the arrow of Artemis) and Athena (mother of the first Hybrid).
Falls in love with Kara,which leads to the rescue mission, which results in the new Cylon armistice and the discovery of New Caprica
Also becomes a resistance leader on New Caprica
By becoming viper pilot, stops Raiders from destroying the Galactica's fleet.