The definition of a tyrant: a soverign or ruler who uses power oppressively or unjustly. Tell me when Egwene used her power oppressively or unjustly. Don't give me the speech she gave to the Aes Sedai when the Tower was united. Giving a speech that might make you fell bad is not oppressive. Sending a Sister that is dispruptive to distrbute food in Arad Doman, a job that should be done is not oppresive. It is what a good leader does. A real life example: When the Neville Chamberlain government fell the two candidates for being Prime Minister of Great Britain were Winston Churchill and Lord Halifax. Winston was selected. Winston didn't want the potentially disruptive Lord Halifax around so he made Lord Halifax Ambassador to the United States. Was the duly elected Winston Churchill a tyrant?

You obviously have never been a manager in a business, a political leader, or lead a diverse group of people. I have never seen in my 30 years in business a good manager exclusively use positive reinforcement. The idea that a good leader unites people only using positive reinforcement is the realm of the young, the inexperienced, and dreamworld college professors who have never had to manage a business/nation in their lives.





A good leader is both respected and feared by her enemies. You are right the respect and support of Elayne and Nyneave as justification of leadership only goes so far. That respect and support are just one leg that supports Egwene. You are also right Egwene will rise or fall on her own decisions and actions. So far she has done alright. Why do you think the upcoming situation, in Merrilor, that Egwene's ego will affect her rationality?