i've just never been able to get past the whole "willingly sold his friend into (sex) slavery" part, because like no amount of interesting characterization will make that forgivable imo
Are you talking as a unit or character with those ratings? Kieran's fun, but Titania is better for a greater chunk of the game (the harder part) and Oscar has insane support bonuses and access to axes so even if he gets strength screwed he can still be serviceable.
Makalov is a good character because he makes you hate him - he's well-written, but a crap unit. He's superfluous. Astrid is too, but using Paragon is fun.
You forgot about Geoffrey, but that's only because he's insanely forgettable.