The original request can be judged on it's own merits. We can also, simultaneously, judge the personality of the requester with all data considered. One does

The original request can be judged on it's own merits. We can also, simultaneously, judge the personality of the requester with all data considered. One does not exclude the other. I judge the original request to be reasonably worded, and I also judge the guy to be an asshat in light of the subsequent email.