At the same age as the Hero, I would have played crotch-soccer and thrown a punch way before the Hero did, and I would've despised that oldster for the remainder of my life.
I also would have been way more verbally passive-aggressive, come to think of it.
Now, at a much older age, I see his point; I would probably do what he's doing honestly.
Old age and treachery truly does defeat youth and enthusiasm...
Also, while the Hero may be naïve, don't confuse his idealism for it; you can be both, and even still be right.