There's no way around it

Well, that's not entirely true. He did make for some good Pinky and the Brain jokes.

This made me sad

Little bit defeatist to bring him up to make the point...

I disagree. He was flawed for sure. Egotistical, and too extreme. but his fame was due to his critical thinking. If anyone spent the time to listen to him instead of hearing other commentor's opinions ilof Limbaugh's edited sound bites they would understand. Maybe not agree, but understand anyway.