what does this sentence mean?
Rose's attitude had discredited Ward in advance, creating a violent revulsion toward local law. To the Washingtonians, moreover, the judge didn't seem to be much of a jurist; Kellerman, like the agent who had turned him away, was unimpressed by the title of JP. Ward's physical presence was no help. In primitive situations, and this one had become stark, physique may count for a great deal. A prepossessing newcomer—a Texan with the lordly bearing of a Connally—might have dominated the quarrel. The judge was short, slight, sandy-haired, and young. Finally, he appeared to be indecisive.】
I don't understand this sentence:"In primitive situations, and this one had become stark, physique may count for a great deal."
1.does "primitive" here mean "previous situations? that is, their debate with Earl Rose?"
2. does "stark"here mean "deadlock‘?
3. what does "physique may count for a great deal"mean?
thank you!