Percy was a misunderstood guy, unlike Draco. I've heard many people going on about how Draco was misunderstood in the books, but it was Percy who actually was. A middle child, a Brainiac and a person depressed by the poor state of his family. He only took those harsh steps so as to help improve his family's state. Okay, he was a bit pompous. But what's the harm in following rules? They are made for our safety, right. Few can be bended, alright, but there's no harm in following them.