I would rather sit next to a**hole for 8 hours knowing that if stuff goes wrong big time he/she won't drop the ball. I couldn't care less about how polite/charismatic someone is. Its a job not a social club
I don't think that OD was trying to diminish the requirement for flying skills, rather pointing out that flying is one of several complimentary skills required.
Being an a**hole or even a half-a** isn't a skill, its an art-form and as such has no place in a technical environment.
I hope that helps.