An odd commercial, but I can see the funny side of it! I love the uke, and I do believe its a valid instrument in its own right but I agree in thinking we need to be a little relaxed about its image of being a slightly comedic instrument too. That is a large part of its history, as has been said already. And if you want to prove its a relative instrument, get out there and get stuck in and show people how sweet it can be! Thats my attitude to it anyway, its quite enjoyable to surprise people with its versatility sometimes.
Also, if I was in that chaps position, stuck in the middle of the desert with an over-enthusiastic, irritating and repetitive uke player I would be PRAYING for a sattelite radio to drown him out......That or a Shot-gun. I'm undecided who for.
Cheers! -F