Sure, your remote king was not a practical leader. But looking at the broader picture, most societies have had a hierarchical government with a strong leader at the top, not chosen by the general population.

Somebody's going to hit me now with statistical proof that that's not the case, I suppose. But still, I think there is a tendency for strong personalities to work themselves into positions of power while weaker "normal" personalities will put up with it as long as they get their football and beer.