I agree he would have been a good Steward. A very traditional, strict father, but if Finduilas has been present, that would have softened the household environment considerably. And, as you say, if Boromir had remained the favourite, that wouldn't have mattered so much if Finduilas was compensating. (I think Finduilas might have had more children, she's 36 when she dies, IIRC.) It's the palantir, reeally, that ruins Denethor, and he only looks into that out of desperation and duty.

*hugs you*