Still a bit of a "hot-house" experience. Being an "executive" when your subordinates have no choice but to follow your orders is a bit easier than the case where all you can do is "persuade and convince". Palin's expereince if far more relevant to the office of President than McCain's. Of course, McCain's is far better than ANY Democrat that has run for the office in the recent past.
Maybe, but in the service, the stakes are much higher.
Emphasis on leadership is much greater, and since you don't get to "pick your team," you have to be good at firing (relieving as they say) the incompetent.