I agree that it was rushed and not as well written as we would all prefer, but I do understand the intention. He grew up KNOWING that he would be First prince of the Sword. The most important millitary commander in all of Andor. It would be HIS millitary might and savy that would empower the political will of Elayne. His counsel would be heard and respected. His name would be known throughout the world. That is not being in someone's shadow. Gawyn, up until TOM was a very shallow character, but with potential. He just needed to grow up.

Growing up was basically the major theme of this installment. We all need to remember that the major characters in this story are all in their late teens to early twenties, many of them were around 14 or 15 when the story began.