Originally posted by cdtmBecause petulant as he is, Eternity still acquiesced to LT's authority. If Eternity were to gain the IG's ultimate power, his attitude/subservience toward LT might change -- LT didn't want to risk it. Not to mention that LT wasn't even sure if he had enough power to take the IG from Warlock by force, so he kind of *had* to let Adam do his own thing with the gems... The only alternative was engaging in a reality-busting battle that he might not have even won, lol.
Why would Living Tribunal object to Eternity getting the gauntlet, if the gauntlet wasn't more powerful then the Tribunal?He would have said "sure, whatever, take the thing" otherwise. Or at least denied Warlocks claim.
And btw, this scene really showcases what a joke Eternity is, and Marvel writing of abstracts in general. They're even more petty then Greek and Roman gods. Like squabbling children.
It says a lot when the supreme protector of creation trusts a mortal to guard absolute power more then one of his fellow cosmic beings.
That said, even IF we assume LT>IG, the difference between them is marginal at best.