Early in his reign Bettman did some dumb moves. The whole “f Canada” era was pretty shameful. Totally prostituting the league chasing a broadcast contract (the Fox glowpuck). But in the last decade and change he’s gotten it together. I still enjoy the booing of Bettman (LA crowd was a little mellow on that) partly for the humor, but the recent results (10 year 200 mil a year TV contract, and getting a team back in Winnipeg) have been good. But a lot of folks will never forgive him for coming from the NBA and starting is tenure with a clear goal of making hockey more like basketball.
As I said before, I’m no fan of Bettman’s either. I agree with everything you said.