This is such an old and tired point I think the OP just discovered it a couple days ago and is now so impressed with himself for understanding it that he just had to share it with the world, a world that already knows.
Yes perspective matters. You can "assuredly" tell me that some people thought that Malkin and Crosby were leading by example by playing physical? I can also assure you that some people thought any number of terrible things were "good". List any tragedy, the scale doesn't matter, someone out there will say "good idea!" I mean, I can also assure you that there are people who think the earth is flat, that doesn't mean it is. It's ridiculous to entertain the idea that slashing someone's leg with the puck nowhere in sight is anything but classless. If you want to try, go ahead. I think it makes you look stupid.
The only problem I have is people who apply the label inconsistently.
