Well, if one looks at it through the lens of personal ambition, then surely he could have taken another less difficult tack. As to resigning, that was not an option. He was told to ship off, or face the consequences.
In any case, a man who is so talented would hardly find himself adrift financially, when all is said and done.
I disagree with you, but we are free to disagree.
Well, Lakin has his little cheering section that follows him around, so I guess he's happy.