Some readers thought Jerry was out-of-character here.  In my mind, Jerry is basically a decent guy, but even decent guys can be pushed too far.  If it’s Swifty talking, then you can be sure that Jerry is being pushed too far.
I labored and labored over the wording of Dr. Rocket’s apology.  It had to be juuuuust right.  I hear sincerity in his words, don’t you?