Ted was honest.  I do not believe anyone got him to do anything in exchange for a favor or money.  That does not mean he followed all the rules.  As he got older I think he had fewer real friends.  For some reason he allowed B Allen into his circle.  Ted most have ignored Allen's character flaws.  Ted did a lot for Alaska - respect what he did for us.  Everyone has flaws.  Superheroes are for comics and movies.