I don't see what "looking beyond the stereotypes" has to do with anything. I wasn't traumatized by a succession of bad kender players in the 80s or anything. I just think, as written, kender are abhorrent creatures. It's one thing for a child to behave as a child... it's another for an adult to retain certain (but not all) child-like characteristics and walk around with a mindset that justifies virtually everything they do.
Actual children are tender, interesting to talk to, get afraid, cry, need love and approval, and admire and emulate adults. Kender are superficial, self-absorbed, fearless, emotionally unavailable, unresponsive to the disapproval of others, and lacking in character.
Sociopaths. Three foot tall Bonnie and Clydes armed with slingshots.
Tas is probably one of the best of the bunch, a sympathetic character with some heroic and moral qualities.