I agree he can come off a bit aloof at times, but I don't think ungrateful is the right descriptor. I've never heard him denigrate anyone but himself, and he regularly speaks highly of his opponents and teammates. On the standing O, he made a self-deprecating comment that maybe people shouldn't stand for a runner-up finish, but then he went on to say it was humbling and "I love that the Hawkeye fan base still believes in me and loves me and whatnot. . . It was pretty awesome, and I appreciate that Iowa brings me back for things like that. It's an honor."
He is definitely very hard on himself, too hard if you ask me. But I've met him multiple times and seen him in practice and competition a lot. He is probably still a bit uncomfortable speaking publicly, but he is as friendly as can be to fans, and he is typically working hard to help his teammates improve, joking around with them, etc.
Obviously our biases lie at opposite ends of the spectrum, but I truly think you'd like the guy if you met him. Really hope he decides to coach when his competitive career is done.