The demand of Israel for a king wasn't triggered only by their desire to be like other nations, it started with the inability of the sons of Samuel to walk in the footsteps of their father. So, Israel probably wouldn't have desired to be like the other nations if the sons of Samuel were like their father. The appetite of an entire nation can likewise depend on the ability of a generation of sons to carry the mantle of their fathers. Elisha got a double portion of Elijah's spirit, and the king addressed him as father till he died.