You are right problematic: he is doing it for himself. But I think it might help people on the fence or lurking to see that you don't have to give elders power over you.
We were so conditioned to automatically follow instructions. We give these people control and power over our lives. Even the basics:
Where to sit, how many towels to use, where to park, where to sleep, what to wear when, ect.
It is good to see that someone can decide for themselves what to do.
They said move along keep walking he said no, make me.
Oh, right you can't. You have no authority over me.
And the Brothers couldn't handle it. The "sheriff" was probably an elder and could not take being defied.
The only authority they have over us is the one we give them.
I think this video demonstrated that.