In my opinion, I believe that there is a positive association linked to the word "maverick" because people fondly remember the characters depicted in the "Maverick" television show.

However, I also believe that the positive association that folks have for the word "maverick" as a result of that television show is being destroyed by its overuse {and some, like me would say, erroneous use} as a descriptor for both Senator John McCain and his sidekick, Governor Sarah Palin.