Good questions. I think the public won’t associate Stern closely enough with AI to direct their anger at him. But maybe, who knows. He certainly is an unlikeable enough character IMO.
As far as Stern regretting being the instigator, I don’t think that Stern has one regret gene in his body. ;)
I don’t think Stern has regretted anything a day in his life. That requires a conscience. And with his particular fan base, he’s pretty much teflon coated.