I feel guilty just posting this but . . .

[Dayhome Mamma]

Yup, been there. Sometimes, you just want to say "Stop it, just stop stop stop stop stop stop STOP ITTTTT!!!!" (whatever "it" may be)!
As for the idea that the nicer the family, the more awful the kid; I kinda hear what you are saying. The challenge with super relaxed and easy going people (whom most people would agree are "likeable") is that they don't usually set boundaries for their kids. Sure, you can touch what you want, say what you want and go wherever you want with no consequences..... it's okay with me!!

This makes total sense! I never thought of it that way but that is soooo true!