The thing is though, that given the choice between effective and totalitarian people like to choose totalitarianism because it's just so much easier to just do

The thing is though, that given the choice between effective and totalitarian people like to choose totalitarianism because it's just so much easier to just do whatever they want vs actually thinking about how to build a sustainable system. Honestly it's highly analogous to environmental protection. Instead of thinking about the external damage they're causing, groups of people just think about the fastest most effective way to make a buck. And just like environmentally irresponsible corporations, societally irresponsible governance will result in environmental damage. If you say, "Give these guys all the power and they'll make the environment safe." then the result is going to be a safer environment until they get bored. Then they'll damage the environment because they have the power to do so and it's easier for the environment to be damaged. (Or people offer them bribes, or because they see ways to grab more power, or ... ) The concern to avoid totalitarianism is necessary to avoid long term environmental damage.