Elves socioeconomic system.

[radagastly]

I've been wondering some things, but haven't posted because I'm still at work and being on here is a bit of a no-no. But I can't resist, though this may be a bit of a tangent.

I keep thinking as I read this thread, what role Osanwe might play in the governing of an Elvish kingdom. Would not the leader with the greatest insight into the hearts and minds of his people be looked upon as the "wisest" or "greatest" and, as such, be the de-facto leader, worthy of at least some degree of obedience (or at least deference, as is most often the case in politics)? Would that insight inform and guide his decisions, lending approval, and therefore support, for his decisions and his position as leader? Does Osanwe work that way? Can that level of control or talent be inherited from parent to child, creating a "default" sort of royal family, later perhaps imitated by men?

Just wondering whether Tolkien saw this factor as having a significant impact on the social structure of the kingdoms of Beleriand.