[Maynerd]

It is said that the only people you can trust when you become powerful are those you knew before.

Your logic is sound but your premise is faulty. Miers and W's relationship bloomed once he become governor and not before. Laura apparently knew her at SMU but it is unclear to what degree prior to W's rise to power.

I am concerned that Miers is a superb disciplined sycophant and that W assumes too much.

[ThePythonicCow]

I am concerned that Miers is a superb disciplined sycophant

I agree that is a risk. There are risks I can do something about, and there are risks I can't. Best to focus my energies on the former.