I can't agree that George has never been interested in self aggrandizement, but he has been good about taking care of his men. After all, there is a bit of competition with his brothers!
Mentoring is something George learned way back when he first started and he was mentored. He has always made a point of learning and passing that skill on, so this latest episode is entirely within character.
Speculation about the baths and Anson seem well founded and I hope our esteemed author gives a full accounting! I certainly look forward to it.