How do boys react to Piggy and what role does he play in their social hierarchy in Lord of the Flies?

In the novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding, the author depicts Piggy as being slightly obese, sweaty, unfit/asthmatic and short-sighted. Nevertheless, the opening overtures are quite hopeful - Ralph is at least prepared to be courteous and civil to his new acquaintance - and to listen to what he has to say, and later even act upon it's wisdom. However, for me, the true frailty of Ralph's personality (and the naivete of Piggy's!) is brought home to me when I see that Ralph not only betrays a confidence, but also exploits it and laughs it, and in so doing humiliates someone who trusted him and could have become a wise friend. I refer to the example of Piggy disclosing his nickname and asking Ralph to keep it to himself. basically, poor Piggy bugs everyone, despite his intelligence of maybe because of it.