There's merit to what you're saying but I think the crux of the issue depends on what the person who needs the apology (whether verbal or not) wants. If the sc

There's merit to what you're saying but I think the crux of the issue depends on what the person who needs the apology (whether verbal or not) wants. If the scenario is one where the person apologizing can't verbally apologize but the other person wants/needs a verbal apology then maybe what that first person is offering isn't really an apology? In that case it's a 'water, water, everywhere but not a drop to drink' kind of scenario and what they're offering isn't so much for your sake, but their own.