aron:
Frankly, I'm not even sure yet what to do about your analysis of John!
I don't think I've ever contemplated his approach (i.e. politician of sorts, by your description). Reading your precis of the scriptural account of his life/work, you make a compelling argument. I don't think I'm inclined to conclude his position on "eldership" based upon a conception of his "political" approach to ministry at the time, but it is a backdrop worth giving contemplation to.
As far as his specific writings, I was in Revelation again and had this thought:
churches, as such, were skrewing up in every way you could imagine (and some you wish you couldn't). These were first century churches, the one we'd love to use as examples. John's word was not to the church, as a group. His word - actually, the Spirit's word - was (in paraphrase): I don't care your situation, whatever it is -
you, the individual must
overcome. Yes, the Spirit is speaking to the churches. But John seems to think the only response contemplated is by
individuals, not by groups.
Peter