I agree with you, 100% on the good role models characters. I too am a Christian and a father of 3 (& one on the way). They were always my favorite types too. Duke did strike me as that type as well. But then so did Hawk. Hawk struck me as that even more so. I just always saw Duke as a clone of Hawk that took his spot. And then hasbro bumped Hawk to grumpy old war horse behind a desk, when that was not what he was supposed to be.
But anyway, yeah, give me Lone Ranger, and the original Battle Star Galactica crew any day over the "in your face" "outta my way" "I don't need anybody, cause Im all that" characters who lie cheat and steal, and it turns out "okay". I dont mind doing what it takes to get the job done, mind you. But that doesnt have to involve having an attitude or no integrity to do it.
I don't know exactly where it came from, the term has been around for a long time. I am a Christian and conservative, and listen to many conservative talk hosts if that is what you are wondering.
As someone else pointed out, I'm also tired of the anti-hero. When did characters like Optimus Prime, Superman, and Duke become lame just because they stand for all that is good? I'm a father of two, so I want my kids to look up to good role models, not anti-heroes.