As far as AB is concerned, I don't think there have been 'outpourings of grief', just sadness that a good man who did a lot for the planet has died, leaving a wife and small children.
He never 'played around' - if you watch his shows and listen to his commentary, it is plain that he had deep understanding and respect for the animals with which he interacted, and never took their goodwill for granted.
Finally, stingrays are known for being timid, and the accident was a freak occurance.
Once again you have gone against the general opinions of the AB Loosehead, which is your right, but let's try and remember that apart from a TB personality, Steve Irwin was a husband and dad, and that's a tragedy no matter how much you may disagree with his actions, or how famous, or not, he was.