Conversation so far:
What is significant about Barry Bonds's public persona?
Bonds was frequently described as a difficult person, surly, standoffish and ungrateful.
Did he get in fights?
CANNOTANSWER.
Are there any other interesting aspects about this article?
Giants he changed his demeanor at the behest of a group of teammates.
What did he change to?
resulting in him smiling much more frequently and engaging more with others with a pleasant demeanor.
Did this help his public image?
teammates pleaded that he revert, having seemingly lost his competitive edge, and causing the team lose more.
Did he go back to his old ways?
Bonds says he complied, maintaining that familiar standoffish edge the rest of his playing career.
What other things did he do to keep his image?
Hell, I kick myself now, because I'm getting great press.
What did he kick himself for?
The problem was, when I tried to give in a little bit, it never got better.

Question: What never got better?
Self-contained rewrite: What Barry Bonds' problem never got better?