Is Cynicism bad? Is Idealism Good?

I believe in practicing both. I think you should never give up hope that something can be accomplished, but that you shouldn't expect it to happen without a buttload of work. Idealism and Cynicism aren't bad, or good, but both are necessary, or otherwise you might never try something or you might assume things will go your way all the time, then have your world shattered.

Cynicism and pessimism aren't the same thing. I suppose it's possible for someone to be cynical and pessimistic at once but my pessimism doesn't make me cynical. I'd say it does the opposite, though I'm not sure I'd call myself and idealist either, as idealism tends to lead to fundamentalism or fanaticism.

As for one or both being good or bad? Every world view that isn't pessimism is inherently bad. Pessimism isn't even good, it's just right.

Realism is solely about the ability to get things done. Benito Mussolini was a realist, but that doesn't necessarily mean what he did was good. It's not necessarily divorced from idealism, but Plato never built that kingdom did he? I'm sure it would have been better than Fascist Italy. A nation that strives for education and sustainability, that only wages war for self defense? Would be nice, but until then we have to settle for Costa Rica.