Ok, let's take your metaphor. Pollyanna. The orphan girl who finds something to be glad or thankful for in any situation. Your implication is that Nigel's attitude of optimism could be his undoing, indeed, implying that he is twee (an implication of naievety and perhaps a lack of appreciation for his situation) when the facade he provides to the media is absolutely crafted (the guy is a pshycologist for heavens sake, he knows what he is doing) is quite bizare.
Indeed, for Pollyanna, despite her setbacks she has a happy ending. The optimism wins through. We could all learn something from that.