Why should the deposed prince or princess in every clichéd tale be chosen to lead the quest against the Dark lordIJ Why not elect a new leader by merit, instead of clinging to the inbred scions of a failed royal lineIJ Why not ask the pompous, “good” wizard for something useful, such as flush toilets, or electricity for every homeIJ Given half a chance, the sons and daughters of peasants would rather not grow up to be servants. It seems bizarre to pine for a way of life our ancestors fought desperately to escape.