Biggest surprise when you read the book...

[Saph]

I dont think Alan Moore was casting judgement on being on Rorschach's side for the final dilemma which lead to his death, but rather to the popularity of the character before that.

He's a violent vigilante who clearly has a thrill inflicting pain and suffering on those he decided deserves it.

You might be right, but again, I think it says something about Alan Moore that he was shocked by the fact that a lot of readers had more sympathy for the crusading vigilante then for the manipulative billionaire.