Maybe, but I think that the way these researchers reacted when their criticism wasn't heard doesn't benefit anybody. By ratcheting up the tension and participating in an internet catfight against the Signal team, a net loss occurs for the anti-censorship community.

If the Signal team does indeed have a real problem with taking feedback and criticism, a better approach might've been to gather support and enter into long-term negotiation over Signal's future relationship with the community. This would make its development a lot smoother and prevent anger and bruised egos from building in the future.