i am not the world's biggest egwene fan, but i very much understand her role in the story. arthur hawkwing was a real shit, but he crafted a huge empire and turned randland into a v safe place. and he was revered, despite being a prick. people in positions of power tend to be royal a-holes (in our world), but we accept that because deep down we understand that they have to be. and they have to be concerned about maintaining their own power since if they don't maintain it, who will maintain it for them? of course they are strong-willed and arrogant, you don't achieve power and success without drive, and you don't have drive unless you think you can do it. and you need at least some measure of pride, arrogance or over-weening ego to motivate you. egwene may have been thrust into a position of power, but she had all of the tools needed to be in control. whether or not you think she is a good leader is irrelevant. at this point, randland needs a strong leader and she definitely is that. and derr, she grew up with rand, so guess what, the pattern wanted her where she is.