If Putin were interested in either ruling from the shadows or appointing a successor then he had his chance with Medvedev. The fact that he ousted Medvedev to re-assert himself reveals that prefers to be seen as the one in charge.
Yes, but by the same token, won't he want to maximize the chances of an ideologically aligned successor so his influence continues beyond death? He doesn't strike me as someone who'd be content to let the chips fall where they may once he's gone.
