In addition to the reason that you stated there is also an amount of power that is conveyed to him by being so involved in the way that he is. It's an entirely bureaucratic way of thinking and what people of even nominal power (say the janitor who controls the supply closet) thrive on. While you can't argue the importance of a judge in a case like this (not a janitor) his importance and good feeling by getting positive feedback from attorneys filing cases which he handles must be quite the drug. To him it must be like being able to decide who gets an academy award or into a good school.