As far as I can see...
Linus isn't an 'unpleasant person' because he enjoys bullying people, but because he has no patience with bullshitters, or anyone who's more concerned about their ego than about the quality of their code and their willingness to be part of the solution.
Fit for the workplace? Definitely, there's a clear job to be done, and if you can't stand the heat or aren't up to the job then what the hell are you doing in the kitchen?
If Linus is gratuitously rude in order to hurt and/or manipulate people that is different, but I can't say I've ever read a quote where that seems to be the intention; he seems far too pragmatic and focussed for that kind of egotistical bullshit.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
