His nature.
I have known some truly odd people who fold nicely into roles, who take comfort in the complex ritual nature of what they do and get along very well. (think Ricky at Texas)
When asked to, these people can be exceptionally high achievers (if they have the talent) -- they're in the "doing what must be done" buisness.
The roadblocks are the usual human problems -- other people, separation from the role and in Ricky's case especially, reintegration into the role. It just got harder for him to return, year after year. He didn't wig out as much as he faded out.
And for the last time, NO I DON'T MANAGE A BONDAGE DUNGEON !