I get the perception that Bell made 'easy runs,' altbough that is somewhat lazy as after his knocks in South Africa, NZ and against the Aussies.
I struggle to see any professional test cricketer who scored almost 8000 runs, 20+ centuries, was man of the series in an ashes series which he won 5 times as mentally weak and lacking heart. To get to that level of professional sport and to succeed over 10 years takes commitment, sacrifice and talent - a lot of each.
He was a very good test player without being great, and was a key part of the most successful England side in recent memory. His time has almost certainly gone, but if he's averaging 50 in champ cricket this summer when they come to selecting a side for the ashes I'd far rather his experience and talent than many who've played since