] So even if he makes stupid statements on a regular basis, he's 'OK' as long as he doesn't drool (lol). I see! ;-)

In John Dashwood's defense (much as I may dislike it!) I must say that he *is* respectable in the sense of not drinking or gambling to excess, he presumably doesn't chase after other women (since we are told he is very fond of his wife) or get into fights, and he lives within his income (not that that should be hard to do!). As Joe M says, his treatment of his sisters would not be public knowledge - his selfishness is not so visible to the outside world, and he would be considered quite respectable by people who don't know him well.