I've had literally hundreds of interactions with MA and I believe he's fundamentally an OK guy. He's irascible, yes, but when he's harsh to someone it's not part of a calculated strategy to keep everyone in line. It's simply because he's mad.
Even beyond that, it's more than just venting anger. The rumor mongering in the Caterina article is just plain being an ass.
We tend to see people's worst side when they are feeling uncomfortable. I can't see how he's "coverage" of Catarina Fake makes him an OK guy. It's like the wife beating husband who's great when on a good mood.