It started because people recently extrapolated what 100KB of contiguous data could be used for and having to decrypt that data to verify the transaction's validity would likely trigger anti-virus software labeling Core as "malicious content." Inscripting data is one thing because you'd have to reassemble the data using a certain specialized compiler. With 100KB contiguous, the bytes would be more or less in plain text, any image or video compiler could view the data natively.
THAT is why people are getting upset. There is a very REAL chance that random strangers will send you, let's call it "bad stuff", that according to current law makes you a fed target. And outside that is disgusting to most people.
This is why I never argued about the merits of OP_RETURN it's really just about property rights. My computer, my software, my rules. Want to make my node a CP magnet? No thanks, I'll run something else.