For the latter: it's dependent on the situation. Yes, in the same way some nurses apologize when applying antiseptic to a wound. It's neither the nurse's fault for causing you pain, nor is it the serum's fault for bringing some amount of harm right before healing begins. The apology is a social construct that absolves one of the hurt that comes from bringing discomfort to another person, even if, technically, they were the cause. Otherwise, it's probably hypocrisy.
[ It's not at all applicable to the original situation, but Kaveh's no longer a part of the conversation, so. ]
Sincerity is subjective. One can't judge sincerity from the outside, it's a phenomenon that depends on knowing the intention behind one's actions. Trying to judge someone's sincerity is a lost cause, as far as I'm concerned. Or, more to the point, I've never found it a useful exercise.
no subject
[ It's not at all applicable to the original situation, but Kaveh's no longer a part of the conversation, so. ]
Sincerity is subjective. One can't judge sincerity from the outside, it's a phenomenon that depends on knowing the intention behind one's actions. Trying to judge someone's sincerity is a lost cause, as far as I'm concerned. Or, more to the point, I've never found it a useful exercise.