You can replace intent with tone and I would stand by that point. I could make the same remark without disrespectful, shallow, lacking seriousness, and with out levity.

Sometimes clever, conversation-stopping responses don't stop conversations. Particularly when they are a little bit rude. Eliezer got a clever and rude response back.

By your description Eliezer makes a true but rude remark and receives a rude response back and this is "appropriate." I do not see how a rude response to what is believed to be a rude comment is productive, it does not bring any logic or new data to the table.