So, it depends. When you have a credibility issue the former doesn't mean much. People are more and more cynical and feel (rightfully) that apologies are just

So, it depends. When you have a credibility issue the former doesn't mean much. People are more and more cynical and feel (rightfully) that apologies are just PR text, and feel (rightfully) that the person making it basically sent a PR agent a query "hey I'm getting some flak for ___ - could you draft an apology for me", and htat's it. On the other hand, when someone you have a real relationship with is sorry for something, sometimes just the guilt in their eyes and the fact that you can see they know they fucked up is enough - no words necessary. Between the two extremes, sure, you might have enough credibility for fluff and vague promises to be acceptable. But that stuff really is useless.