I just saw that episode last night, for the first time in years. I was thinking about the themes today, and saw your post just now! ..Back to the 'synchronicity' thread maybe?

'Good Kirk' did lose his thumos but still kept his intellect and compassion. And i think 'Bad Kirk' is more about the id - a Freudian thing - than the spiritedness you celebrate. Remember his lurid encounters with the Yeoman? and assaulting the crew? .. overall, not the best role model, LOL!

btw I still prefer the sets and vivid colours of the first series to the more subdued later series. Who knows, maybe the 24th century will go for the 60s look again .. anyway the sets still look futuristic to me, I really like the way they were done

(and yes I did see the holo-recreation of that in 'next Generation' - that was done very well too)

When I can I'll post some more comments to your original article