"At first glance" could be a suitable alternative to the phrase "or so it would seem". It implies that something appears a certain way, but there may be more to the story. "One could surmise" also fits the bill, as it suggests a certain assumption without making any definitive claims. "As far as one can tell" is another option, which implies that the speaker is making an educated guess based on the available information. "To all appearances" could also be used to convey the idea that something appears a certain way, but the speaker is not entirely convinced. Ultimately, these phrases can help convey uncertainty or ambiguity while still acknowledging the appearance of a certain situation.