The contempt Proton is showing for their users is astounding. They not only think people will fall for this transparent act of damage control, but they also have the gall to shift blame onto the users.
Go read the comments. Obvious bots are posting praise and many critical comments are being deleted by the moderators.
You got it right. I saw the thread and the entire thing was a gigantic manipulation. But still, even in the context of that manipulation, it meant get out there and talk because others have perceptions that are out of alignment with our reality.