Indeed. TBH they were incredibly lucky to land an inoffensive name that sounded fun, and should have made the best of it. Alas, British upper class is not exactly the most dynamic bunch...
After their initial reluctance Greenpeace embraced the result of the popular vote and used the name at the center of its campaign. The added publicity, at no cost to Greenpeace, gave it enough impact to convince the Japanese government, and the plan to hunt Humpback whales was abandoned in December 2007
Now that is a great result.
But why couldn't the main vessel itself have carried the name?
Here's one reason: imagine the ship were to get into trouble at some point in the future.
Imagine the headlines.
Remember, the places it will work are extremely hostile; they are dangerous.
Boaty McBoatface was an awesome name. Such a missed opportunity...
On the other hand ... there'd still be more publicity for the research programme. How much coverage was there for the prosaically named Ocean Researcher V when it sank, resulting in death of two researchers?
He didn't want any widows to receive a letter stating that 'It is with utmost regret we inform you that your husband died heroically for the Empire during the execution of operation PINK UNDIES' or something of the sort.
Makes a lot of sense.