I wouldn't say Beethoven had an huge ego, yeah his personality was difficult but he was not egotistical. He considered himself NEXT to god, not on god's level and he did this not to say he was more worthy than royalty. But that he was on the same level as royalty. Royalty at the time considered musicians as servants, Beethoven was the first to stand up to this and give a valid reason not to be. I don't think thats ego. Beethoven refused royalty if they made him feel less worthy than them. I would do the same and I am humble. Plus after Beethoven began losing his hearing, he was left feeling inferior. That definitely humbled him from middle age.