they are consistent with a ruler who has to take care of minor but pressing issues before dealing with a much larger one...also, i think the first was a negotiation tactic and the last was never actually seriously considered, just used to get info

Let me just add to the Egwene issue here. Not only is she blindly power hungry, she's a special kind of power hungry. She's completely willing to sacrifice anything up to and including herself in order to see the White Tower furthered. So she's fully committed, and as ruthless about it as Niall or Masema were. She's just prettier. Elayne, by way of comparison, makes ruthless moves as well, and gathers power, but her thought process' seems to have the Last Battle first in her mind, where as Egwene's thoughts are for the Tower first and foremost, and then for the battle second and the world third.

I will give Egwene enough credit as to say that if she remains smart enough to listen to her friends' advice, that Nynaeve might be able to talk a bit of sense into her.

Cads.......Am I the only one who sees the bullying nature come out almost entirely in the last two books? Yes, things we see now color what we saw before, but I just don't think she was as much of a bully under RJ.

I would say ultimately Egwene is both dumber and MORE power hungry than Elayne. The entire attitude of believing Rand should be showing HER respect (just like Elaida did)is one of AMAZING arrogance that surpasses anything Elayne does. Especially given that Elayne was actually brought up for this her whole life. Egwene has been away form home exactly as long as Rand has, and has accomplished less. In 200 years, her job will be taken by soemone else. Fifty years later, by soemone else. Fifty years later by someone else.

There is ONE Dragon Reborn and the Prophecies say nothing about the White Tower saving the world from the Dark One. Use some situational awareness.