I don't think it's glorifying to show why these characters are interesting or their lifestyles are seductuve, but it feels like no matter how well it's done there will always be some portion of the audience that doesn't get the distinction

This happens with books, too. Michael Lewis has talked about how a bunch of people have come up to him and told him that "Liars Poker" made them want to get into investment banking.

Yeah, and I get it, watching a movie while abhorring the main character is a drag, so of course the actors end up with compelling performances.