Another question, in the spirit (but not in agreement) with the original post.
Who would you rather have as CEO of a popular aviation body - an active pilot at the top level of his game (and other related activities) and who has also built up a successful business to the point he can afford to give it up in the interests of furthering aviation, or a politicking blazer and tie wearing chap who enjoys a good jolly to foreign conferences?
I have met both types in the furtherance of aviation, and I know which I prefer.