To benignuma
Well said…all of the rabbonim mentioned earlier in this thread have their own following and will continue to do so. On particular issues, one or another may emerge as the “leader” of the klal but as you note, that may be for purposes of a transient issue or a psak on a global emerging issue. If a Rav has to “claim” leadership, which as you say none have historically done, more likely than not he will be a leader without many followers.