Based on this account of the story the PM sounds like a typical middle-manager with a big chip on his shoulder to prove how alpha-dog he really is and rule over

Based on this account of the story the PM sounds like a typical middle-manager with a big chip on his shoulder to prove how alpha-dog he really is and rule over his petty little fiefdom. The author wasn't fired, although I'm sure the PM would disagree, for much the same reasons you listed. That kind of childish passive-aggressive horse shit isn't something anybody should take.