It’s easy to tell a story about people who are long dead. Elmer Keith got his fame and money. Whether or not people liked how he did it is just interpersonal drama. Ackley had an agenda too, so I hesitate to believe any of anyone’s story without video.
I just look at their writings. Sometimes I find the information useful, or just entertaining. Perhaps something in there will be of use someday.
I really liked Ed McGivern’s book “Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting”, but not for the writing. His writing is painful to experience. But, there are many lessons in that book, not the least of which are “Things are still the same”, “Gunwriters and gun company markets are still full of sh*t” and “Bureaucrats and their budgets suck.” McGivern seems to be one of the true great shooters and teachers. I have no idea if his life was a mess, but his writing certainly seems honest.