Figure of speech.
Actually, I tend to believe people on the internet show more of what they really are, since there's rarely any consequences.
The same way someone you meet a couple of times might seem like a nice guy and turn out to be completely different if dealt with every day.
Not saying that's the case because I don't know him obviously, however the question is still how he handled himself talking to people on forums and twitter over the years (not talking about "trolls" either, he'd be offended by innocent/legitimate questions, attack them and then play the victim card).
And I agree, bashing him is pointless, but making him "look innocent" is even more pointless.