In Wilson's case....probably a little of both.
I am sure the payola part is hugh...but, I keep hearing what a peacock this guy is...and I know that certain personality disorders, like those with visions of grandeur, just do NOT see things the way they are...but, like they want them to be...
I think that pathological liars just get so good at it...that they "fool themselves"....but, in Wilson's case, I am sure he is aware of all of this, and loving every second of it...his ego craves it.
We need to try to "follow the money" into the shadows, and there is, at least potentially, big big money to support Wilson's activities: (1) possible sources of funding and clients for his international consulting firm that has evident shadowy ties with French, Turkish, and Saudi deep pockets; (2) has Wilson benefitted financially from his jihad against the WH (his form of consulting for mineral development projects in W. Africa would certainly benefit from favorable opinions of him among French officials and businessmen who are heavily influential in that region!!!) (3) any oil-for-food money find its way to Wilson or people around him??? (Wilson sure did his damndest to help Saddam and his sons stay in power) (4) this "Proskauer Rose" law firm in which Christopher Wolf is a partner may only be an indidental connection, or it may turn out to be a major player behind the scenes (it is a huge 700+ lawyers wealthy Democrat-oriented law firm).
http://www.proskauer.com/index.html
"in Wilson's case, I am sure he is aware of all of this, and loving every second of it...his ego craves it."
Yah. Looks like his ego got the better of him, all right.
I just don't like people like that getting rewarded for it.