Perfect analogy for the reality of the IT world. The big dog is always the big target. (not saying that MSFT has worn the mantle wall though)

However, the value of having somebody who understands how the policy affects the market cannot be overstated. The US congress deals with issues that are so complex and out of everyday scope that many members are almost totally reliant on their staffs for information on any of the hundreds of arcane issues that get voted on each year. Having a brilliant, rather populist style intellectual, like Lessig, in the bargaining room would do wonders in terms of shaping the conversation. Finally, you can teach somebody how to cut a deal, even outsource that task to a Staff Assistant, but it is very hard to teach a congressman to think once they get to Washington.