It is not so much an "asshole bias" as a reaction against the emphasis which is placed on 'soft' skills in management: empathy, tact, drive for 'diversity' even when this means compromising on skills, etc. Linus is known to be an effective project manager who does not fit the mould of the modern 'soft' 'people manager' so any time some quotable reference appears he's cheered upon by those who don't agree with these 'modern' management styles.