Despite Kirk's reputation as a lady's man, I think he always loved the chair more than he loved any woman.

I agree with you absolutely. I watched an early season one episode yesterday, in which the crew was infected with some virus that lowered their inhibitions. Once affected, Kirk started whining and moaning about how he could never afford to look at any of the women on board, because the ship demanded all his focus. Basically comparing the Enterprise to a jealous lover. He loves her and resents her, but would never leave her.