Because a bunch of people in this industry try to emulate this style because it's "truer" to their style (read: they can't be bothered to actually try and be ci

Because a bunch of people in this industry try to emulate this style because it's "truer" to their style (read: they can't be bothered to actually try and be civil). But whereas for most people this is "throw out all unfiltered thoughts, mixing the issue and the person". Linus' style is a lot more deliberate, where by using this direct style to really concentrate on the issue, and get rid of any illusion of passive-agressiveness towards the person. I think he puts a lot more effort into these than he puts on, and is very aware of how it'll be interpreted. If you want to emulate this style, you have to think about this sort of thing as well. It's not about being unfiltered, it's about filtering what's actually harmful (personal attacks) instead of what isn't really (your position).