The skepticism is strange to me. I think the ad is actually compelling enough that it's making some of us really examine the question of whether or not the iPad really can (or should) replace these things. Apple is making a bold statement, so strong reactions are expected.
I've known for a while now that I'm more creative with a 2H pencil and a sketchbook than I am on my iPad. I'm more creative noodling around on real strings than in an app. This has made me pause to consider whether I should ever again plug in my currently uncharged iPad.
(b) is totally ridiculous. Anyone who isn't helping bleed YouTube to death is ultimately hurting creators and keeping them locked into an abusive platform.
IMO, in light of that comment, this is a non-story. Though what they did was stupid: acting like a fascist towards someone like this tends to undermine whatever position you're trying to establish simply by making you look like the bad/worse guys.