I have never liked Scarface (at least the De Palma version - the original was better). Yes it is slickly directed and well acted, but the characters are so repugnant and the violence is just ridiculous. I always much preferred the underrated Carlito's Way, which plays like the anti-Scarface, from Pacino/De Palma. Here's a piece I wrote on Carlito's Way.

At the risk of article-bombing you further, you might enjoy this piece I wrote on writing unsympathetic protagonists. I do agree with your principle that not all protagonists need to be sympathetic.

Thanks again for another great article. :)