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Originally Posted by Lalwendė
Aragorn's inexperience at the necessary political and diplomatic behaviour was displayed at Edoras, and he rapidly learns, through the tutelage of Gandalf and a quick succession of events, the correct way to approach these matters. I cannot see his actions outside Minas Tirith as anything other than astute political skills of the highest order. Contrasted with his bluster at Meduseld, his behaviour outside his own city is exemplary.
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Inexperience...
I wonder if this is the right word to use. You are suggesting that Aragorn had no prior political experience, which I would say is a false statement. After all, what do you think "Thorongil" was doing in Gondor? Why was Denethor so jealous? It would seem to me that Aragorn has a pretty strong grasp of politics, or did at one time.
As for Aragorn's behaviour at Meduseld, I would agree that there is an element of inexperience, in that Aragorn is not yet used to dealing with political situation AS ARAGORN. He is not used to being able to state his title and claim his position. Besides which, as we see in Unfinished Tales, Aragorn (as King) later AFFIRMS the decision of Cirion, and grants utterly and completely the land to Rohan. It would have been extremely stupid (considering the entrenchment of the Rohirrim in their land) as well as extremely impolitical (considering that the Rohirrim were Gondor's main allies), not to mention extremely ungrateful (considering the history of the War) to do otherwise, but remember the words of the Steward, on that occasion, and on every occasion they acted in authority...
"Until the King should come again."
However, that is just going off on a tangent, when my point is to suggest that Aragorn was not standing entirely on quicksand, in addition to the fact that he seriously did not want anyone else handling Anduril (for good reason, I imagine), and the fact that he was probably extremely tired, having been riding all over Rohan, and that after walking across in the face of Saruman's magic.
If Aragorn hadn't been so tired, he would have thought through what he was saying a little bit more, and simply put the sword down with a (very!) stern warning not to touch. But he was tired, so he didn't...
That's my take on the situation, anyway. Aragorn wasn't a political newbie. His history clearly shows that he couldn't be.
Actually...
Thinking about Aragorn's history, maybe in the days of Thengel, and earlier in the reign of Theoden, it was customary to wear weapons in the king's presence, and a sign of dishonour to be forcibly disarmed. I have NO info whatsoever to back up that totally random thought, but maybe that could be a part of it. Remember that Gimli only decides he can put down his axe with honour once Aragorn decides its all right.