Don’t you think the reaction was extreme regardless?
Great question! Having not heard both sides, in my opinion, the tie goes to the Cardinal, because of his authority.
Have bishops been wrong? Yep. Just ask St. Padre Pio. However, the response of the saints who were wronged by the hierarchy has always been obedience. They bore the wrongs patiently, even into death (St. Faustina).
When a priest or religious begins badmouthing eloquently or otherwise their religious superior, I see unhealthy pride. I was a little put off by Fr. Frank Pavone’s letter, but glad he worked with his bishop to get things settled.