I enjoy the Ultimates. They're the superheroes we deserve.
I don't think the Ultimates would be as enjoyable to me if these were the original versions of the characters. Part of the appeal to me is the funhouse mirror aspect, although I use the term "funhouse" lightly.
I don't see where these guys are trying to make the world a better place, other than that's what their job description might say. Some of them like Thor might think this is their motivation, but I read these characters as typical self-obsessed celebrity types, including Thor. If SHIELD wasn't already exploiting them, they'd find some way to exploit themselves.
At the end of the day, when I want superhero deconstruction, I look no further than Watchmen.
