Like others have said, in the context of the original game, I can see that as being a pretty spot-on assessment.
But post-2Ed? And with all the other FRPGs that have popped up?
Only in a limited sense- if the PC was supposed to be a benevolent healer, then playing him counter to that is bad. If, OTOH, he's a bit of a mercenary about his healing ability- or if that is what his faith demands- then that's good RP.
A PC cleric aving a crisis of faith may also lead to some good stuff in campaign.
Similarly, "fighters who hang back from combat or attempt to steal, or fail to boldly lead," make for nice "cowardly lions" and other types. Conan was a mighty warrior, but he was also a thief. As were Fafhrd and Grey Mouser.
"Magic-users who seek to engage in melee or ignore magic items they could employ in crucial situations?" I'm playing that PC right now- 90% of the time, he channels his magic into his breath weapon...he wears scale mail & shield, and wields a Maul.
"Thieves who boldly engage in frontal attacks or refrain from acquisition of an extra bit of treasure when the opportunity presents itself?" Perhaps he's trying to attone for something, aspiring to be something greater. Perhaps he is merely a talented idiot/luckless adventurer who hasn't found his proper niche in the world, and can't convince someone to buy him proper armor and weapons.
