The "virtuous pagan" label is odious.
It rests on the prideful assumption that the geniuses of pre-Christian Europe and the Orient would've converted to Christianity. This backward projection onto figures like Plato and Zoroaster is contrary to their teachings and texts.
In as much as the virtuous pagans who preceded Christ point to Him (Plato, Confucius, Buddha, Zoroaster, etc.), they are valuable.
But when they become figures worshipped onto themselves, they lose any value they had.