Exactly! And EW could have pulled it easily with even just a slight change of expression, because of his acting and his appearance. The other actor that I can think of that could do this is Julia Roberts. Unfortunately, I can't see her withdrawing from the focus ever. She must be the focus.
I guess I am just delighted to see a professional who is confident enough to sit back and let others shine now and then. It's what makes LOTR so special to me, the books, I mean. Each character shines at one time or another. PJ made sure this came through in the FOTR and I'm looking forward to seeing what the characters do in the next films!
The only other thing that happens when an actor constantly pulls focus is that the story is lost because the audience can only focus on one thing at one time. So, if EW distracts during an important part of the story, and the audience suddenly has their attention drawn to EW, then the story could be lost and muddied.
That's one thing my young actors don't understand. They are either of two extremes... something happens and no one reacts (that's bad) or they are too busy and the audience misses plot points because little miss ham is too busy (and usually too funny) and demands the audience watch her.
You are right about Julia Roberts. Watching her pull focus during Denzel Washington's win at the academy was horrible. That's right, Julia. It's all about you.