For all dudes apparently spend LOADS of time thinking about the Roman Empire, their brains are apparently totally glossing over Cincinnatus, Commodus, Domitian, and Phocas and it shows.
And FTR: Cincinnatus = widely thought to be great, early Roman Republic, voluntarily gave up power and retired because he knew power corrupted.
Commodus, Phocas = What's competence, precious? ooo, nepotism is fun!
Domition = Absolute power ROCKS absolutely my dudez!