The most part the Giants fans loved him. He is no Dale Murphy by a million miles, but he loved playing for SF.
This was also a cool thing he did (and has continued to be involved with the Stow family over the years):


Not that it is a 100% valid excuse, but if you understand some of his background on why he always distrusted the media (relates to some things that happened to his dad in the majors) it gives another perspective on things. Regardless, I don't think kissing butt should play into if you are a great ball player. Beloved, yes. Great player, no.