Ehh I don't agree with everything you said, it sounds a bit too patronizing, "let's put her in a box" kinda thing.
She has the right to know and get some feedback from her work. She's been around for way too long to not now how it feels to be criticized, but yeah, criticism does not feel good to anybody.
I also think that being a "headstrong person" is part of the culture.
And who wouldn't feel positive about their work?? You have to be proud of what you do, no matter what other people think
If she wasn't positive about her work I don't think I would appreciate her as much as I do.
Interesting though to see how we all see her and think of her, because anyway we are not her personal psychologist or therapist to know how she really is.