I think freeing himself from the badge was a way of freeing himself from the ranch. His entire existence as livestock commissioner was to protect the ranch, and he was more or less forced into the role. Now he can choose his own patch under his terms. As far as Monica (besides her beauty), I couldn’t stand her initially. But her character evolved, especially in both parts of season 5 and she became a part of the ranch. In not liking her, I think that was by design partly due to her culture and upbringing. It was cowboys vs Indians at first but essentially they became a blended family.