As far as Illidan was concerned, he did not actually hold out much hope for Patrick's plan. The Blood Elf Regent's status was likewise not worth mentioning before Illidan. The only part of the entire plan that interested him was that he could lead all his subordinates in the Black Temple back to Azeroth.
Outland could not compare to Azeroth, after all. Without the protection of the Ley Line System, Kil'jaeden could descend with the greatest of ease. Trying to resist Kil'jaeden in Outland was simply courting death.
Kil'jaeden was immensely powerful, so powerful that Illidan felt somewhat hopeless.
In the past, Illidan had been alone. Even if he returned to Azeroth, he would merely have been an ostracized Night Elf, all on his own. His brother and sister-in-law did not approve of him, and those in the Druid regime were hostile toward him. Apart from the few Demon Hunters, most Night Elves hated him-except Maiev. The feelings between Maiev and Illidan were rather unusual; that would be discussed in detail later. But now, despite his failed assault on the Frozen Throne, Illidan had successfully built up a formidable force.
In Illidan's eyes, although the Naga led by Vashj were utterly devoted to him, they were ultimately still Azshara's subordinates. Whether Azshara would help him was entirely beyond his control. As for the Blood Elves of the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas, Illidan had even less hope for them. He also understood why the Blood Elves had sought him out. The Illidari Council's F4 currently followed his commands entirely at Kael'thas's direction.
What Illidan needed were completely reliable confidants, not outwardly respectful subordinates.
If Illidan could establish a force that belonged entirely to him, then even with Kil'jaeden still watching hungrily, he could follow Ner'zhul's example, find a place most advantageous to