In GoF, I think Ron is jealous of Harry to some degree, but he quickly gets overs it - and I think it's more motivated by his own insecurities and his tendency to compare himself to others in terms of what they have and he does not. But, after the first task Ron realizes that Harry is in actual danger and his concern takes precedence. By the end of the series, he matures past it.
In my view, Ron did two unforgivable things: fight with Harry in GoF, and leave in DH. I noticed that lots of fans (particularly Hermione lovers who hold her constance to Harry as her greatest virtue) started disliking Ron after GoF and his and Harry's fight. To some, deserting Harry in a time of need was unpardonable (especially since it is something that Hermione would never do) and they never forgave him as Harry did. Then, they were reinforced in their dislike when he left in DH. His motivations and explanations are irrelevant. He left, while saint Hermione stayed. And that is what "true friends" should do.
Most of the real Ron haters that I've seen (shippers and Slytherfen for the most part) hate him because he's in the way: he blocks their OTP or he blocks Harry from befriending Slytherins. He's just too common to be interesting enough to deserve their heroine or personal stand-in. The existence of Ron prevents many of the preferred fan scenarios and they use the evidence of his immaturity and disloyalty to prove that they are right that he is unworthy. A further study of his character is unnecessary - they get all they need from two moments of weakness. Instead of looking past it and finding Ron admirable for getting over his issues, they would prefer he be perfect from the start. |