Is it just me of is Astarion a creepy piece of shit?

I'm not sure what Larian are trying to do with this character: he's clearly a whiny, creepy rapist character with the way he creeps up on you in camp.

I understand wanting to include evil characters for variety, but I'm struggling to see how he fits into any party. A good player will boot him as soon as he tries to attack them and shows no remorse. An evil player will boot him for being a leech.

Does he get better later in the game to justify his existence?