Maybe Michael Burnham showed some tears at one point or two during the series (god forbid a Star Trek character raised on Vulcan showing emotions throughout her personal development), well she was still an absolute badass and a role model for numerous fans. Wether angry nerds like it or not.
Long live Discovery.
In the beginning of the series the curmudgeon bothered me, but as the show went on he mellowed and really came to trust those he worked with. In hindsight the curmudgeon was necessary for character arc to arrive at a better place.