[akhtene]

lindil,
By my post I in no way wanted to underestimate the personal qualities of the House of Finwe. What I meant was that, IMHO Finwe didn't have enough chance (or time) to distinguish himself among the elves, but was merely chosen by the Vala.

The Stewards of Gondor believed that thousands of years were not enough to make a king; and the elves established the Ruling Houses during two generations. Just too fast. No tradition of obedience, of accepting someone being superior to you. It probably worked well in case of Ingwe and Olwe, as their power wasn't put to such ultimate tests. It worked well for Galadriel,though she didn't claim the title as in the course of years (shall I say 'millemiums') she won respect and gained experience. Gil-Galad was the great King and war leader. So the kings' power seems to have strengthen, but after a long time had passed and probably too late.
(I'm sorry if it doesn't make sense. I really don't have much knowledge of monarchy)