It's also possible he understands that anything he does with the Pattern will have consequences and he's learned how to use his "powers" wisely. Lighting a pipe or bringing a horse back to life have a small impact. Bringing back the Amyrlin Seat is another thing entirely.
Uh... did we already know how Taringail Damodred died? Or was it mentioned and I just forgot?
Edit: Never mind, I checked our library and found out that it's strongly hinted in TSR Ch 17.