The problem with Makarov is, he already grew up in difficult circumstances (as far as I can remember, in the rebooted timeline too) and the environment around him wasn't exactly conducive. Which isn't an excuse, when you look at Simon, 'cause he wasn't doing any better back then.

Is there more to Vladimir than meets the eye? When I think about the original Makarov, I'd say absolutely not. But the rebooted version of him has way more facets, visible just in the way he carries himself. How he presents himself. How he acts.

If he'd had a more stable environment, someone who'd have kept him in check and set him straight? I reckon he'd be living a normal life today. Whether he could still be saved at this point? Yeah, I think so.

But Infinity Ward ain't gonna give us that, 'cause the game needs a villain and I reckon they wanna milk Makarov for as long as possible.