Smalma-
The reason I believe Bull Trout/Dollies have such a poor reputation regarding their fighting qualities, is that the vast majority of Char caught by fishermen tend to be in the late Fall/Winter when the fish are post-spawn.

I have been lucky enough to run into decent sized Bull Trout in the late Summer that fought very well. They weren't as charismatic as a steelhead but put up a good tussle...on steelhead tackle.