YES! I think you hit the nail on the head and perhaps I wasn't as clear / specific in my earlier comments about meeting them in the park as I could have been.
Aside from a story here or there I heard / read about Tim being somewhat of a dick (and who knows the validity of that comment), the great majority of stories are that he is decent to talk to. I think the big variable in these interactions is if Jenn is involved.
For example, if T&J met someone, I'd bet Jenn would say something about them derogatory when they walked away - it's in her nature based on how she's already proven herself to be with her snarky, nasty comments on Twitter, instigating fights, calling for people's heads, making fun of people, etc. He, on the other hand, would just walk away and probably not think much of the interaction beyond the interaction itself.
I also agree that, even if he whores them out to gain #hosted or freebies from companies, if the channel was still just Tim doing things, it'd be 1,000x more watchable. Give me series like he did of the Disney resorts any day over whining, complaining, fake smiling, and constantly interjecting-herself-into-everything Jenn.
Edited to add: I also have to wonder that, aside from a handful of "do you know who I am" type hissy fits I heard about when Tim had to stand in line with the rest of us "ordinary" people, I really have to believe that whenever they complain to CMs or TMs, it really is instigated by Jenn as well!