Nathan, I see where you're coming from... to a point. But if you think it's over the top, don't add to the hysteria by getting everyone worked up by being contrary. Just bite your tongue and let people grieve in their own way. We're all different and people react differently to this kind of news.
Personally, if this had been someone that I had only communicated with on this board through crossing posts, I proabably would have given condolences and moved on. But in this case, I knew Eric. Met the man, dined with the man. Talked with the man. Didn't know him well, but he turned to me a couple of times in times of need and ya know what? I wasn't always there for him. So I'm feeling pretty fucking low about this whole deal, so I don't need any sanctimonious crap from anyone calling me a hypocrite.