The dislike towards the cardassians isn't a bajoran only thing.
Garak is an interesting and beloved character in the series because he is complex, problematic and express it with a convincing sophistication. The gay innuendos help too. He does nasty, deceitful things. He starts a war because it's too grim and disgusting for his close neighbours to go through with it, and it's expected to possibly help fend off a godlike existential threat to the entire quarter of the galaxy.
He's a monster in a suit, a Franz Stangl. I think it's a very, very weird character to associate a corporation with.
