I would have said the same thing about why it's not quite so bad when the bitterness stemmed from the real consequences of the disability than if it the disability was just somehow a manifestation of his soul. But maybe I'm just being defensive because I loved the Emily books (and a Swiftly Tilting Planet but I agree with you there, RJ).

At least he isn't completely evil and twisted - yes, he does something absolutely horrible, but he does show some grace in the end by confessing and eventually giving her the house of her dreams.

I'm definitely not arguing with the general point about having a more balanced representation of disabled people in fiction.