I think the comparison with Linus is apt. Linus used this same kind of non apology style defense initially, but someone clearly got through to him and his behav

I think the comparison with Linus is apt. Linus used this same kind of non apology style defense initially, but someone clearly got through to him and his behavior has changed visibly as a result. RMS's letter reads as justification/excusing him staying exactly the same.