If I separated them, it would cause in-fighting and call-out posts and new groups to form. I needed to center them on a common goal.

[Not that this worked out either, but just so that his thought process is clear. He's not an idiot like them, after all.]

I imagine I can do more good that way, so. Yes. I've played the role before, I can pass for our elder self trapped in an unfortunate form due to his scheming.