PBA – maybe the mashal of kavod haTorah would be more to your liking. Sometimes big talmidei chachamim who are also baalei mussar have to act in the name of kavod haTorah when their honor is slighted. Not because they are arrogant or egomaniacs, but because as a representative of the Torah they have to act in its defense. Goyim have a similar mindset by the court of law. It’s not a matter of personal insult to a particular judge, but because the justice system is considered honorable, and it is unlawful to be in contempt of a court. Ever wonder why everyone has to stand when a judge comes in to sit on the bench, but not when he walks into a restaurant? It’s kavod for the court, not for the judge personally… not to say that judges are all humble baalei middos who can make this totally impersonal. I’m sure some do let it become personal, but the reason for a judge’s authority to change the ruling based on an insult is irrelevant to the judge’s ego.
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