@Jackermeister:
But as far as I'm concerned, he just intimidated the small-fry
Actually, the whole world was intimidated by him. Simply hearing his name made hardened pirates cringe.
And what do you even mean when you say he only intimidated the small-fry? Are you talking about the pieces of land he claimed?
You make it sound like seasoned pirates from all over the world DIDN'T avoid attacking Whitebeard territory, for rightful fear of getting curb stomped.
and believed himself a hero for it.
The only thing he was ever shown to 'believe' was that his crew were his family, and that he'd do anything to protect them.
Show me where he gloated about his reputation, or claimed to be an epic hero.
Most of what's been said in the story about Whitebeard has been said by OTHER characters.
If a man has performed a few legendary/awesome feats in his life, then of course people are going to run their mouths and chat a lot of hype.
That doesn't make it Whitebeard's fault, or take away from the merits of his life.