We sometimes don't give men enough credit. Just like men who want to say this is not for a girl we also say this is not for a man no matter if a job, art like this or whatever.
I often educate both sexes that men make the best artist. I personally know several male 18 wheeler truck drivers who stitch all sorts of stuff and doing an awesome job.
Same goes with many male sports such as football, baseball and such.
Your brother knew what he liked when he saw it and did it. I'm the same way. It has to speak to me for me to want to do it. Otherwise I won't touch it.
I've been experimenting here with lots of different things and I can't tell you how many folk in the last couple months who have had me teach them how to make for instance SCRAPPY LAP RAG QUILTS. I know at least a dozen. They are not just rag quilts but scrappy ones.
Your brother did right in following what he liked no matter how difficult others thought it was for him. He did a wonderful job.
I forgot to mention we have men in one of our local quilt guild also and they create some awesome projects.