Doflamingo is a good villain. In fact, I think he has potential to be an eventual (reluctant) ally some point in the future. That he cares for his people - and he does - is apparent and something that Luffy can respect, even if he doesn't like the guy and veiws him as a reminder (and part cause) of Ace's death.
Yes, he cares for his subordinates, but he also has to make hard decisions. He's not like Luffy who will throw everything away to protect his friends and crew - he's more balanced. He weighs them against his goals and I think they all know that and respect him for it. Despite this he's shown various times that he's fond of them in his own, twisted way; even the rebellious ones like Law. His interactions with Law are… odd, in that it's clear he likes Law, but is still determined to punish him - even if that punishment is death. I guess the closest parallel you could pull is that of a Mob Boss - family and loving each other, but if someone in the family does wrong by you and the group, then it's your fault and you know what the consequences will be.
In the case of Monet and Virgo, it is clear that he genuinely regrets having to make that decision, but ultimately it was their choice - Monet could have backed out, could have given the excuse that she was overrun and knocked out, but she chose to follow through with her own death for him. There must be something that his crew know about him to inspire such loyalty and frankly, if he didn't care about them I doubt they'd care as much about him and his plans.
Oh, and I doubt it's him being a Celestial Dragon. They seem to love him, not fear him.