I never understand the hate either. Wyll would be the companion, I would most likely be friends with in real life. He made a bad decision, but he is mature about it. I onl wish, he would be a bit more recognised in BG as the son of Duke Ravengard.
Imagine if he was recognized as the son of the Duke and it let you get more access to the areas that you can't enter (a little easier), so long as he was in your party. Like cellars in houses (for the greater good of gathering supplies to aid your party in the fight against the Absolute's army) and other restricted areas.