Hmm, Dobby as a "sport", a throwback to an earlier form of elf? I can see that as easily believeable, especially since Dobby seems to be the only elf who enjoys being free. OTOH, force-sensitive elves could make for some excellent training assistants. I'm looking forward to seeing just how Shack is dealt with (I suspect they'll go easy on him once Dumbles' controls are recognized and removed - but until then he wil be, I suspect, very, very uncomfortable).
It's going to be real interesting for Albie when the audit hits and he finds he can't "influence", in any way, the auditors and gets his hand slapped for trying. Of course, that's just going to add to his humiliation and anger. 'Twould be amusing if he went off half-cocked because of all that and made some damn fool mistakes a "self-controlled" Albus wouldn't.
Author's response
I figured being a sport was the only reasonable answer. If Dobby is closer to the woods elves, he would crave freedom. As he indicated, his bonding is to a family or group that has emotional ties to him. The Malfoy family did not, an even Dumbledore considered him a servant...albeit an odd one. Harry has the feelings of love and friendship for the little pest and so, "Dobby is muchly stronger!"
The compulsions on Shack will be discovered soon. Amelia will handle that! as for the rest, yes. They will, and he will.
Albie is going to find his influence completely neutered, and he ain't gonna be happy. I don't expect him to try to influence the Goblins...more than once.
~/'Twould be amusing if he went off half-cocked because of all that and made some damn fool mistakes a "self-controlled" Albus wouldn't./~
That's coming...just not yet.
Alorkin