If you've ever met Peters in a comments section under any of his user names you'll know he's like this all the time to everyone. Not saying it makes him guilty, but this isn't a strategy. It's him.
I've heard that in several places, and I'll readily admit that most of us here wouldn't rally around to defend Peters or his actions. At the same time, I have to think some segment of fandom out there does believe Peters is the victim here; certainly on the Axanar Facebook group. He wouldn't even have to gain a tremendous amount of support, just a small amount could be considered a "success".
The danger is that Peters and his supporters are so vocal, we're running the risk of having them be perceived as the "voice of fandom". Peters and his Facebook followers do not speak for me or anyone but themselves. I wouldn't want them speaking for me unless I wanted to be characterized as a crazy person.
That has happened to a certain extent. Trek fandom is filled with the so-called "voice of fandom." Peters and Burnett, along with a few others, have become go-tos for quotes about STAR TREK. And the pop culture media generalizes and lumps all fans together because it makes for better clicks and views.
I've seen both Peters and Burnett at two separate conventions. I didn't care for either. However, when Peters is amongst his acolytes, he is very charming. It's easy to see how he's snake charmed an entire following. He's convinced them him and his project are Trek's salvation.
Burnett is a blowhard who pontificates like he is a bastion of STAR TREK.
Even worse than those two (IMHO) is David Gerrold, who should know better, even if this is a benign comment. Here's what he had to say about this incident:
David Gerrold's statement about the Axanar lawsuit
Apologies if this has already been posted.