I think if you retained Anders jokester personality you'd have a cast of clowns. Isabela, Varric and Merrill all fill a comedy element. Even the rest of the companions have their humorous moments, sans maybe Sebastian, who to be honest I found dull as opposed to Anders.

The main issue I'm seeing is that people find a severe disconnect between his character in Awakening and his character in Dragon Age II. I don't really see that. His personality may have changed, but then some time has passed, and he has Justice/Vengeance within him.

Secondly, if we're characterisation in Awakening and II, I am surprised that people found his Awakening portrayal as more interesting. I found him rather forgettable in Awakening, I just didn't see much of a nuance with him.