He's not entitled to me reading his rant, or changing my behavior based upon it. Is this deeper?

You know, I don't think I've ever participated in a conversation that used the word "entitlement" and came away a better person.

I agree, the non-stop one-sided accusations of entitlement didn't seem very productive to me. I wonder if some day someone will write a post about things maintainers aren't entitled to. I can think of several things.

This is in no way exclusive to software. It's people in general. Dealing with people is extremely difficult. At least software developers aren't likely to get sued over these complaints.

Yes, the word "entitlement" is mainly used in response to widely acceptable behaviors, and is almost always a passive-aggressive escalation.

I may not be entitled to be listened to when I speak, but it's still reasonable for me to speak with the expectation that I will be listened to. If I do speak, it's not an aggressive claim that I'm entitled to speak and you must listen.

That sounds like a you problem more than a general rule that using the word engenders unproductive conversation.

>How far can it go

You aren't entitled to know that ;)