If the author is coming around by realizing the error in their ways; a way that seems painfully obvious to you, I don't think it does anyone any favors to chastise them for not knowing sooner. Its clear to say not everyone grows in environments that reinforce positive thinking.

Further, unless I am misreading the tone of the article, the author is listing out all of the defects you quoted not to defend or justify, but precisely to highlight their ridiculousness and falseness.