Yes, I highly believe that they should have restrained themselves and that countries or any empire should in fact adaopt a level of restraint on the amount of power one has. I say this becuase without this restraint in power the world and or the region that is being governed with be in terms "a mess". Choatic, and things wouldn't flow as how they should. Yes this is a sign of weakness though not all signs are certain and permanent. One can always regain control and rebound with much more strength then before. In the Peloponnesian War excerpt by Thucydides, the Athenians were without a doubt extremely more powerful than the Melians who were far under them in class status. However, rather than taking control and "stepping all over them" they opted to instead engage their power into negotiating with the nobles of Island. Though, when they know that they can easily just take over and conquer them so that there will be no need for any type of negotiation becuase the Melians are much weaker than them. What is being displayed by the Athenians are there loyal character, and restraint or power. Now, in my opinion this does not make the Athenians powerless or weaker than before. Being fair is apart of your responsibility with power.