> The fact that this whole charade is over one word "standard"

There are only two words and you picked the wrong one. The issue is about the word (and apparently, trademark) "Markdown". They can call it "Standard Rockdown" if they want.

> I'm sure that Gruber could have politely sent

Come on. Gruber said he didn't want people to use the name and instead they should create their own flavor with their own name.