I don't how they felt about him being betrayed
as an incompetent soldier but redeems himself at the end?
i think the writers went the way of private Henry hook from Zulu!
both in real life were dedicated and competent soldiers!
I don't think he was portrayed as a bad soldier. Maybe as a man who didn't take army life as seriously as he should have done - but when push came to shove he fought bravely and skilfully and even managed to deny his weapon to the enemy when he could fight no more.
If I was related to Sid, I wouldn't have any complaints about his portrayal.
The church may shout but Darwin roars