Not that Balin wasn't capable of ruling the realm of Erebor, but he was maybe closer to the line of Durin yes, but Erebor wasn't the great hall of Durin, it was founded by Thrain the old, who was certainly more closely related to Thorin and then Dain. Erebor qualified as of his direct lineage, not so much as of Durin's himself.
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"I come from yonder...Have you seen Baggins? Baggins has left, he is coming. He is not far away. I wish to find him. If he passes will you tell me? I will come back with gold." - Khamul the Easterling
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