I am not so good with words as you
You need to fimd someone else
Anyway, in reality we should assess the situation and act accordingly.
It is a sign of superioir intelegence if in a ceratin situation you know that you can be humiliated by someone, instead of staying and waiting for the inevitable conflict, you might just leave before the situation arises.
However, if you are very smart and capable and you know that you can handle the situation, as Edmond did, then why not?
Maybe revenge was the only was to survive for Edmond, to get over the terribly injustice that was inflicted upon him.
Can you imagine the situation when you are being separated from the lady you love so much, to see the person who separated you from her to prosper, to live the rest of your life without her? Because "she" is the only one. We have only one other half walking somewhere in the world. Anyone else is just a substitute....and it might drive you crazy.