I didn't read the books until the entire film franchise was over which is why I can confidently state that. I do agree with your points but Dumbledore is one of the most beloved heroes of our time - it didn't harm him at all. A purely evil villain works much better on screen, too.
I still remember how shocking Philosopher's Stone for me. I was really imposed by it.
The thing is me and my family intended to see Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron at first but we realised that we were not in the theatre we supposed to be in. Then we chose HP. Thank God for this.
