Why does this society appear to be more lenient with those who question its rule?
Through the use of hypnopaedia and conditioning, the people in this society are less likely to become affected by the radical thoughts of one person. When Bernard writes to Mustapha Mond about John, including a part in which he states that he "agree[s] with the Savage in finding civilized infantility too easy", Mond, World Controller for Western Europe and therefore a very powerful person in that part of the world, merely thinks that he should "give him a lesson" (165). Rather than take him away and completely reeducate him, Mond feels as though he should respond in this way because Bernard was lecturing him about the way the world he controlled worked. Another authority figure, the Arch-Community-Songster of Canterbury, merely warns him to change his ways.

Why is it that the protagonist in this story, who does not see eye to eye with this social system, is portrayed mostly as a grumpy and rude individual?
The very reason why Bernard does not agree with the system is because he has been an outsider since birth because of the birth defect which caused him to be the size of a Gamma. Bernard doesn't agree with the system mostly because he knows, as an outsider who cannot find happiness as such an outsider, and therefore cannot fit in with the pleasure seeking nature of this society. Because of these differences, he has grown to be grumpy, yelling at Deltas in the "sharp, rather arrogant and even offensive tone of one who does not feel too secure in his superiority." (76) Bernard has grown up having to fight for his position, which none of the others are shown to have any difficulties with.

Why does Helmholtz laugh at the idea of a girl having so many issues over what man she should have when he is shown to be much brighter than those around him?
While Helmholtz is shown to be much smarter than those around him, and more likely to question the rules of the society, the fact is that he is still trapped in by his conditioning. Bernard manages to get away with it in that he is very aware of his conditioning, since his job is that of the psychologist at the Hatchery. Conditioning of this society has taught those who live in it that "everyone belongs to everyone" no matter who it is. Therefore, the very concept of Romeo and Juliet, that a woman would have issues with what man to have, seems very very silly to him. Actually, Helmholtz believes that Shakespeare is a "marvelous propaganda technician" and doesn't even realize that the situation is to be taken seriously. He takes the entire idea to be a joke, as his conditioning does not allow him to realize the drama of the situation.