He is a KINGmaker. Of that there is no doubt. His approbation is essential so they suck up. Which "they" are they?

Lilliputians.


LILLIPUTIAN

Extremely small tiny diminutive
Petty, trivial
An inhabitant of LILIPUT
A very small person
A person who is narrow or petty


Yes he has a lock on them. He kingmakes them after they prove loyalty unabated.

But well seriously. Of what value are they sizewise?