Exactly. He was an arrogant jock asshole, sure, but so what? They all were. Part of the fighter pilot mythology.

He was the better soldier and the better pilot. Willing to take risks but not unnecessary ones. Didn't need to show off. Maverick was actually the villain in that movie.

A reckless youth who cost his reel his life and then finally grew the hell up. It's a redemption movie of sorts.