At the time it was written, that was a great point for a story to make. Baine’s presentation is one of a lot of small pieces, each individually fine, but collectively lacking in balance. Each story of Baine choosing non-confrontation and diplomacy and being able to work with his supposed enemies is all right when taken in isolation. But when you look at the overall picture, there’s a huge hole where another important part of his character should be–the part that shows loyalty and agreement with his supposed allies and a willingness to stand up directly for the people under his care. Nobody at Blizzard seems interested in writing that side of Baine, so it functionally doesn’t exist, at this point.
Or heck, they could write the opposite–show (from his own POV, not from the reflections of someone else like Sylvanas) that he fundamentally does not belong in the Horde and wants out. Or that he actively refuses to fight, even for his people. But instead, there’s this big unaddressed void in his presentation, leaving a huge question mark hanging over that part of his character. He just doesn’t feel complete without addressing those issues.
Clearly I’m not stating this very well. I mean Baine’s approach is supposed to be subtle. Far-thinking. Small adjustments with long-reaching consequences, instead of “axe to the face.” I get that. It just doesn’t work, for me, as written.