i liked itachi from the start for the same reasons... you said it allI was a fan way before he turned good ... or turned good in the eye of the public. I whas a fan since introduction.
The way Itachi fought whas amazing. Every move calculated, never surprised. Always the right move at the right time.
Always the minimum amount of energy in every fight. Like he faces Kakashi he knows what is necessary to bring him down and does it straight away. No naggin trying this and that.
And down goes Kakashi in a blink of an eye.
You just gotta love that calm assertive attitude. Always on top of he's game. A true master of the sharingan.
I've said it before and will do it again. True strength is never having to show it.