Maven is obviously an effective and smart leader, she's a crap person, but it's hard to judge her as incompotent at her job.

I find anyone who's the leader/ruler/whatever of something to always be annoying in Skyrim. Heh, even in DG, both leaders are irritating.

I actually feel the opposite, sure some of them are annoying, but they do remind me of politicians in real life. They can also be fit for the job or corrupt bastards who cares little about the people they rule. Just like kings have done the same etc. The Jarls have differnet personalities and I like that, it makes them feel more alive. Some are great leaders, some are bad leaders, funny enough pretty similar to how modern day politics works.