So let me sum-up!
What we have here are some people who are not at all unhappy to hurl abuse at anyone on the slightest pretence or no pretence at all. But when a little bit of invective is pointed in their direction, no matter how justied, they are startled and outraged and come unglued. They feel free to dish it out but can't take the dishing. Human nature I guess but particularly certain types of humans.