Wait, you said
"the only thing missing from "The Social Network" is a likable protagonist."
Then you go on to say,
"Eisenberg is perfectly cast as Zuckerberg, who comes across as aloof and self-serving, though there's a sympathetic loneliness that accompanies his impressive programming IQ."
Aren't those contradicting?

Although Zuckerberg, at times, comes across as sympathetic, that doesn't necessarily mean he is likable. As depicted in the film, Zuckerberg seems very unapologetic in his actions, and he often doesn't empathize with the struggles of those around him. As an audience we do at times empathize with him (everyone wants a piece of his creation), but he is never particularly likable. It also might have been partially due to the way Eisenberg portrayed the character.

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