Maybe it's just the fact he was finally given some screen time. Before now, you're right, he was just one of a dozen minor characters taking up page space. But this book, he actually had something to do, and is finally back in the story. Can't wait to see him and Rand have a reunion...

And yes, he's very annoying with his whole emo Rand-killed-the-queen and Egwene-is-a-child-who-needs-my-protection thing. But c'mon, name a character in this series who isn't like that towards other characters in some way.