(though perhaps he does appear a bit disconnected from contemporary commercial reality).

Yes, well, you know who advocated connecting with contemporary commercial reality?

"This then is one choice before you, before us. We may join with that Power. It would be wise. There is hope that way. Its victory is at hand; and there will be rich reward for those that aided it."

I don't need to tell you who promoted that argument, and what happened to him in the end.