actually, the leader never could give glory to themselves, but they did do it to guildmates, in huge lump sums.
Basically, they would give someone else in the guild leadership rank, which then meant that the two people could divide up the lumps of glory between them
It was one of those things that went out of control very quickly.
And soon it wasn't even abuse, but more of a 'trying to keep up with player x' that was abusing it hardcore.
became like part of the game, abuse.