Del Griffith: National Treasure or Annoying AF? (Planes, Trains and Automobiles Thoughts)

Okay, so I just finished watching Planes, Trains and Automobiles for like, the billionth time. And every year it's the same thing... I laugh my butt off, I cringe at Neal's initial reactions, and I kinda feel bad for Del Griffith. Steve Martin is brilliant as the uptight Neal, but John Candy...man, he owned that role. Like, could anyone else have pulled off that shower curtain ring salesman with such a blend of genuine sweetness and oblivious obnoxiousness? I think not. The scene where he's driving on the wrong side of the highway? Classic. I'm pretty sure everyone who's ever driven a car has dreamed that at some point. I love how they slowly start to bond throughout the movie, it's really heartwarming. You almost forget how much Neal hated Del in the beginning. But here's my thing: is Del, like, realistically annoying? I mean, imagine being stuck with that guy for days! The snoring, the stories, the accidental rental car fire... it'd drive anyone nuts. So part of me is always on Neal's side, even when he's being a total jerk. He just wants to get home for Thanksgiving, ya know? But then you get to the end, and the whole backstory reveal with Del... totally gut-wrenching. John Candy really killed it in that scene, seriously. I'm always torn. Is it a hilarious road trip comedy, or is it a sly commentary on loneliness and the importance of human connection? I think it's both, which is why it still holds up after all these years. And I gotta admit, I use a LOT of curse words in my daily life but I rarely call someone a 'suck face' like Neal does... Maybe I should? Anyway, just some late-night thoughts. What do you guys think? Is Del secretly a saint, or the most irritating travel companion ever? Discuss!