Reagan didn’t just go to the people. He did indeed compromise on policy when he had to, and furthermore he refrained from alienating anyone he didn’t have to. His administration was quite eclectic besides.
Perhaps you are thinking of him more in office than when campaigning for the Presidency? He was already a nuanced politician, but he was unapologetic about his belief in America and first American principles—despite the scorn and derision from within and beyond his party.
And you’re right, he didn’t attack individual politicians and he abided by his 11th Amendment, or whatever he called it, about not criticizing other Republicans. Too many Red State Freepers are ready to charge, pitchfork-first at the RINOs in the Blue and Purple States—but that’s no way to build a majority.