Based if players treat them with respect and not just short kings with "muh grudges." What separates them from redditors is an appreciation in the things like they're unwavering loyalty and bravery, utter dedication to building and crafting, and they're deep respect for elders and kin. These are the usual things dwarfs have in fantasy settings but you don't see people appreciate them enough cause they're extremes of human traits. They're not ethereal or otherworldly like Elves, but it makes the dwarfs more aspirational. I reckon also that a lot of people that aren't close to their family and community just don't understand dwarf society because it's usually just an extreme collectivist society where a dwarf will know his place in his Hold and has it drilled to respect his elders and those who came before. To be honest, I think the surge of dwarf fans in recent years comes from people who long for that kind of kinship. A lot of fans in the west likely don't have closely tight knit families, and are probably not in a job/trade where they know their shit to a T and can make something beautiful. I still remember how in the LoTR books, Gimli was such a poetic and deep admirer of all things beautiful, but still saw things differently from Legolas. Legolas didn't understand the appeal of the crystal caves in Helm's Deep the same way Gimli did. Furthermore, in regards to a lot modern western fans, I'm sure a lot of them are now preferring characters that are sincere in what they say, in contrast to all of the Marvel movie quips we get in stories. Dwarfs are known for being blunt, but absolutely meaning what they say. Gimli himself couldn't help but laud Galadriel's beauty despite the differences in their race. To which she saw utter sincerity from him and gave him three strands of her hair (when he only requested one).
