@grass. The point was that the Tzaddik needs us as well as we need him. He can not do his job without us and we can not without him. It is one part of Klal Yisroel attached to the other which the mekubalim refer to as Chelkei haShekhinah. This being held in mind means that he is not an intermediary and if if he could accomplish on his own he is still required to attach himself to the Klal and we are not exempt from davening on our own for whatever. If I view myself as exempt from davening I have made the Tzaddik an intermediary which is assur. כשם שנפרעים מעע״ז נפרעים מאלהיהם.
I would say to check out the Sefer Chayei Nefesh. Rav Kenig’s father discusses it more at length than I can on one foot with sources in Tanach, midrashim, shas, Rishonim, Acharonim and mekubalim with great clarity. You will find many satisfactory answers.
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