Great post. I don't have a whole lot to say except: I agree.

Therefore, the more they have to atone for, the nobler they are. Therefore, while the horrible things they did may look horrible, they are in fact not only forgivable but even admirable - because without them, how could there be these powerful redemption stories that help us feel good?

I think a lot of times this overlaps with the dreaded Manpain, which is another reason why it grates so much.

I also am a big fan of people trying really, really hard to be good...and failing. I feel like we don't see that enough, but when we do, I love it.