That "distinction" is just plain nonsensical.
"Which is better -- to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three thousand tyrants one mile away?"
--Mather Byles
[ “Which is better — to be ruled by one tyrant three thousand miles away or by three thousand tyrants one mile away?” ]
Three thousand local tyrants fear the retribution of angry citizens more than the one lone ruler from far away....
Especially if they start being picked off one at a time in order of Worst to least worst....