Derp, I’m using “avuncular” to mean a beloved older family member, reflecting “avunculus” (from which the word “uncle” is derived) meaning variously “uncle” or “grandfather” (the diminutive of “avus”, meaning “grandfather”). But you’re right that the early Picard was an irascible bastard anyway, not like the more generally “avuncular” figure as the grandfatherly, paunchy, decidedly non-virile Tim Walz was supposed to be a model of “positive masculinity”. Riker is much more sympathetic a figure. You’re right.