A strong, confident man doesn't need to rely on an external source to feel powerful because he is powerful. His self-confidence, determination and competitive drive is what makes him powerful. His belief in his own potential is what makes him powerful. When a man like that walks into a room, his presence alone commands respect.
There's nothing wrong with wanting more power than you have, but when you need to rely on an external source just to feel powerful, that's when you know you're insecure.
That's why Avalokiteshvara seems weak and inferior to me.