I don't think this was meant as disrespect on Brian's part. When I read the exchanges between Brian and Herepton, I get the impression that they actually like each other, and this may have been intended to be good-natured ribbing on Brian's part.
I see your point, Brian isn't a bad egg. Still, doing it whilst wearing an Admin hat is...
acutally I'm not sure what the word is. Dissapointing is not quite right, certainly not upsetting, jarring? I don't know, but its certainly feels like its something.