I haven't seen any TNG for decades, but I wonder if it was the same issue as with Adric in Doctor Who - young male character who represents what nerdy fanboys dislike in themselves instead of what they fantasise.

Reminds me vaguely as well of Marcus Cole being called a Canon Stu, when the one time he had a real impact on a major arc really was something only he could have done - convince Neroon that Delenn could lead the Rangers.