https://www.pcmag.com/news/364543/linus-torvalds-returns-to-... :D

It took Linus two weeks to write the first version of git. He took 36 "days off" which is a long time for him.

I have to say that in e.g. https://lkml.org/lkml/2018/12/22/221 he is extremely polite compared to 1 year ago. Of course it may sound harsh to some but I can see him trying.

And it's a really positive change.

It reflects better on the community

Keeps standards about communicating well

Makes it harder to dismiss his arguments than if he were being an asshole from an emotional standpoint

Creates less resentment

Prevents getting distracted by the way Linus said something from what he's actually trying to say

I think that mail is entirely positive for the Linux kernel users. Clear unequivocal language expressing the policy and stance of the project. I can’t see any reasonable way to temper the harshness without removing a key element of the message.

I think the message is still very clear if you remove bits like "Yeah, this is complete garbage."