"Jeff gives the impression that they demanded retraction (!) because they wanted Timnit and her coauthors to soften their critique. The more I read about this, the worse it looks."

Representing a more truthful reality is not 'softening'.

It's only 'softening' for those who have an already accepted, extremist view, and for whom any evidence to the contrary doesn't help their arguments.

While initially sympathetic to the author - the more I read - the more I have completely the opposite view.