I am going to go on a limb and speculate that Intel probably knows more about this problem than most. They are being quite specific that the issue affects multiple devices, and I doubt they are lying. And coincidentally several other reports (from Google, Wired and others) are indicating that this issue crosses CPU makers.

In that context, isn't you reply rather off the mark? If Intel's claim is correct, then being "defensive" seems entirely accurate given how many are foaming at the mouth at the prospect of some mortally wounded Intel.