Interesting point Scott...
I can see it, however I see Vader/Tarkin as being buddy/buddy almost... Tarkin's line of "old friend" to Vader implies some history there that I kinda dig about the two of them. It implies a powerful presence to Tarkin in my view... One of the reasons I find the character one of the most intriguing of the entire Star Wars universe.
He's powerful, but not as powerful as a Jedi/Sith... He's merely powerful through natural ability/intellect. That's kinda what Zahn threw at us with Thrawn... A powerful character through intellect, experience, and self-confidence. Your average "man" who excels... A Patton, Rommel, Lee, or Alexander, or Caeser of his time...
I always dig that in those characters.
Tarkin's almost more evil than Vader when you think about it... At least Vader had an excuse. Tarkin was just a natural born dick head. Gotta respect that.
