I think message is genuine, and sympathize with his stand. His work on free software has been invaluable and shaped the software world in a good way. To paint the whole person as a "bad guy" ("terrible person") in the context of the latest developments always seemed off to me.
However, usually apologies in this context backfire.
Everything that you say about this can and will be used against you.
This has happened to various people before, who (I believe) have been well-meaning but offended the wrong people.
I sincerely hope the best for him, but I don't expect this apology/elaboration will help him.
However, usually apologies in this context backfire. Everything that you say about this can and will be used against you. This has happened to various people before, who (I believe) have been well-meaning but offended the wrong people.
I sincerely hope the best for him, but I don't expect this apology/elaboration will help him.