Thanks for the recap, I actually agree with many of your points.
Regarding the hiring process, you are likely right; I'm sure they removed the "Kill the nickname" checkbox from the application form. Although bringing him here certainly may have facilitated that process.
I don't give O'Kelley a lot of slack only for the reason that when addressed directly on this multiple times, he couldn't take the time to respond. To me, that does not indicate strong leadership; but that is only MY perception. This is an emotional issue for many people, for the most part they want to know that they have been heard. I certainly don't believe that's the case for the majority of people.
End of rant.