I think the main problem people have with Ron (and I have been equally guilty!) is that while they can differentiate between the teenage boy dealing with hormones and a war for Harry, Ron is often not afforded the same opportunity.
But underneath the bravado and hormones and insecurities, he's a guy from a big family who is inheritently loyal and funny and not-too school smart but willing to try.
I a, happy that this resonated with so many people. Honestly, the perception of Ron as a sidekick is so deeply ingrained in fandom by this point, that I felt this story would flop and nearly didn't submit it.