What a lovely discussion we've got going here! So very adult.
As for the actual topic, I would say that the Stranger is good by his own definition. If you read the instruction manual's prologue, it states that the Stranger has always captured Outlaws for his own personal satisfaction, and only focused on the Moolah when he needed it for the impending operation. He defends the Clakkers and the Grubbs alike from violent forces, and I'd say defending the weak has always been a staple of goodness. He's a vigilante; he has his own sense of right and wrong, and disregards the government-imposed ones. Perhaps he's more focused on protecting number one than some heroes, but he still does the right thing when it comes down to it.
As for whether using the live ammo is evil, it was my impression that the critters willingly allowed themselves to be used as ammo. Sure they get zapped and captured at the beginning, but those Boombats could always fly off the top of the crossbow and escape, no? I think the Stranger has kind of a zen relationship with nature and can communicate with the live ammo. The Boombats are naturally explosive due to their diet, so I'm sure their livespan was about up as it is. After all, the instruction book states that the Riot Slugs give their lives willingly, and I'm sure that applies for the Boombats as well.
As for whether using animal tested products makes you inherently evil, I'd say that's a bit of a stretch. I mean, you can try to avoid those products whenever possible, but I dare say it's impossible to be good by that definition in today's market. As for the Stranger, I doubt he knows what they do at Vykker Labs, he's never been there and I don't think they advertise their sadism. He just saw a sign that said Doc's Office, and he needs an operation; what choice did he have?
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