Based on anecdotes of RMS, I'd say it's most likely that he was actually feeling suicidal.

>There is no context in which this is acceptable.

Oh for christ's sake. Have you ever tell a joke to talk to a girl?

Plenty of times. I've never threatened to do violence to myself or anyone else depending on their response, however - and neither has anyone I know, nor has any non-abusive person.

Do you take everything literally? Who are you, Drax the destroyer?