It would have surprised nobody if he had forgotten the obligations he had incurred. What is surprising is that he didn't. He kept faith. For whatever reason, he ended his days in politics by maintaining his political credit rating. Clinton's pardons caused scandal because the public is shocked more by little crimes than by big ones.
Bribery can cut a lot of red tape.
Sometimes a bribe is the only way a citizen can get his money's worth from an otherwise rapacious and inert government. Most of us work several months a year for the government and get nothing in return. But a well-placed bribe can save you waiting in line and guarantee personalized service. If you don't belong to a big, powerful, and well-organized voting bloc, it may be the only way to induce the government to pay attention to you. Of course it depends on whether the public servant you approach can be relied on to deliver.