Randy's role truly is that of "the Legend Preserver", so he gets away with behavior that has seen most others hitting the bricks. That he performs the role so well speaks highly of his talent - that and so many fragile "legends" allowing themselves to be bulldogged by the kid on television.
As Buddy Rodgers never approved of Flair's using the Nature Boy moniker it's no surprise that his associate also looked down on Rick. I think at this point that it's indisputable that Flair has acheived the unbelievable by remaining active at 56 years old while still pulling off dramatic matches that get his opponents over without looking ridiculous. While never being as truly tough as Samartino, Kawolski or dozens of others Rick always balanced performance with preservance...and he's still performing today when no one thought it possible.