Rather than has three meanings.
1. more readily than, in preference to
They obeyed the order rather than suffer torture or death. Fronting is
permitted.
Rather than suffer torture or death they obeyed the order.
2. and not
She telephoned rather than wrote. Fronting is not permitted.
In the end hesurvives rather than conquers. Fronting is not permitted.
3. instead of (+Ving)
Their actions precipated the war rather than averting it. Fronting is
permitted.