I've pointed out how I've had positive PvP experiences with pirates, blockaders, and the CODE in the past, and my own personal displeasure about the Hutton situation.
The spin and PR was handled well, all told. GF, you have a career in politics ahead of you
But at the end of the day, the end result seems to be, if anything, polarizing. People who didn't trust the CODE before are even more mistrusting and those that supported them are even more supporting. Maybe a few fence sitters chose a side. I doubt many already on one side switched.
Really what should be taken away from this isn't about what DID happen, but what WILL happen in the future.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating, as they say. CODE and its reps talk a good talk, all that's left is to see its effect in game. If another Hutton Orbital type situation happens down the road, you can be sure people will bring this back up, as well as the PR that went into trying to repair relations... which will basically mean nobody will believe what's said next time (not that many seem to THIS time, but that's another issue

).
I for one hope the CODE sticks by the ethics they espouse and sticks to in-game reasons for their actions and not exploit game mechanics unfairly. I enjoy seeing organized piracy and blockades existing in the game (and especially organized
opposition to said things) and want to see it in a way that works for everyone.