I live in the southernmost part of Brazil. It is located on the border with Uruguay. Here the Gaucho is a typical character, you see them everywhere around. I noticed that El Gaucho has made his appearance in the comics, both as a character and as a topic for a whole publication. On the tags below you can have a view of the publications in which tha figure of the Gaucho appears. Later  I'll maybe coment a bit more on this character.

He could certainly use more attention, couldn't he?

Yes, definetely, why not? I think the Manara/Pratt did a great job.

I'm not familiar with this character...

can you give a link to his page for other unfamiliar users?

I feel like I've just made a really big fool of myself.

Sure, here you are:

http://www.comicvine.com/american-avenger/29-57570

http://www.comicvine.com/gaucho/29-46379/

And this is the Manara/Pratt I was referring to above:

http://www.comicvine.com/el-gaucho/49-35813/

I don't think they are related in any way, besides their names and some characteristics in relation to their cultural background. Thanks for commenting.