re: If you were an extraterrestrial, how would you describe humankind as a whole?

Resiliant as a race. Individually, most do not reach their potential as a species, but the standouts are capable of some truly astounding feats (physically, mentally, ethically).

They appear to be improving as a race in terms of ethics as time goes by. Clear progress has been consistently made in terms of governance, ethical treatment of their own and other species, caretaking of their biosphere. They are capable of great contributions on any scale due to their ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Corruption in their govermental system is the biggest problem and potentially a show-stopper. Recommend monitoring for improvement in this area over a long timeframe (100yrs) and being prepared to eliminate (or stifle) if technology becomes so advanced that it becomes more threatening to other star systems. Lack of speed in space travel is currently (and for the forseeable future) going to keep their influence in check.

Approach in war carefully & take care to not reveal your own advanced technology. Humans are capable of great ingenuity when presented with a problem and capable of reverse-engineering technology that falls into their hands. Humans are also immensely capable at deception and are not yet at the stage to be trusted ethically, although they may reach this in the future.