Like is a strong word I think. I don't mind him. But I was a kid when Phantom Menace came out, I didn't really fully experience the original trilogy before I saw it. So that's why - for a kid it's a fun goofy comic relief. So might have liked him back then, which moved my tolerance for him in adulthood. Didn't see the movie in years though.

LotR is sacred to me on a similar level like the SW original trilogy was sacred to the die hard SW fans back then, probably. I can't say I hated the Hobbit movies (though they are clearly inferior - the edit really saved them), but I hate Alfrid with everlasting passion.