[prof.h.mandingo]

You bring up an excellent point. I think Gates is a self serving ass but power is addictive. It is not just the big things but the little things also. People holding the door open, best seats at restaurants etc. It all adds up.
Small story. My wife and I want to a conference in Nashville. Whole thing on expense account. We stayed at the best hotel, valet parking, fine rental etc. You very quickly get used to people sucking up to you and it is tough to not get used to it or start to really like the attention.
It is easy to criticize unless you have been there.

[PowderMonkey]

It's the little things, and the "Jazz". The adrenaline rush of excitement at being at the epicenter of events, witnessing and making history, and exerting influence and power. Those things are not easily surrendered, and remain the principal reasons many stay on from one administration to the other, and into post retirement. Some far too long. During my career, I personally witnessed several men locked out, or forcibly removed from their offices, because they simply could not accept mandatory retirement, or resignation at administration's end. One was literally carried out by security personnel, while he remained seated in his office chair, frantically clutching at the door frames on the way out.