I think a person who refers to children as "little brutes" is starting off with the wrong attitude. But then, when I pick up my almost-2-year-old after his nap, I tell him, "I missed you while you were asleep, James!" Could just be different personalities.
You are reading way more into it. I took it no different than any other little cutesy-pie name. I know people who use the term "poop" or "poopy" as a love-name. My son was "little dude" to my brother and also "pal." I always thought "pal" was so cute. Brits are big on nick-names and the like....
I think it's just a British way of writing. The Brits say all kinds of awful things like that as a form of humor but they're still very loving parents.
BTW, just wait 'til James is three, you'll be thrilled to have thirty minutes of peace while he naps! ;-)
Oh, heck. I call my kids "Kidlettes", "Hurricane (fill in the blank)", "Puppies", "Apple Butt" (daughter hates that one! *snicker*), "Bratlings", etc. I also say it with a twinkle in my eye and tell them how much I adore, miss and appreciate them every single day. Hugs, back scratches, raspberries, snorts in the ear, cuddles, and tickles are without limit. It's called "teasing" and humor and the kids know that.
People can be so stuffy! (Good thing kids aren't!)