I so see Rodney as basically a very lonely man who hides behind his ego. His total need for recognition from his peers, his inability to not see every other scientist as a competitor, his surprised delight when he finds out that someone really does like him, shows a man for whom affection freely given is a rare gift.

I think that's why, despite the fact that he can be irritating at times, that I love the character so much, because David has poured so much vulnerability into him. And obviously, the writers only see the words on the page, not the interpretation David's given them.