Re: In which I describe my one false note in detail...
Bruce said early on that Damian needs love and respect to overcome the conditioning he endured throughout his life, and seemed to imply that was why he was taking him under his wing (somewhat) and offering him so many chances. I thought that was the line of thinking you were referring to when you said it made Alfred sound a bit daft. Sorry if that's not the case, I don't always read or comprehend things so good before my third cup of coffee. Blaargh.
I kind of figured Dick was talking more about the way that Damian perceives himself and acts, Damian struts about like an aristocrat and gives off that vibe, but that doesn't necessarily mean that Dick thinks his 'I'm better than you' air is anything but annoying.