[copsarebastards]

> There's nothing particularly long-winded (it's only a thousand words or so!)

Using a thousand words to say 200 words of content makes it long-winded.

> I also liked the low-key tone. In contrast, anything that calls itself a "manifesto" is apt to sound a little arrogant and abrasive out of the box.

That's an entirely pointless and off-topic criticism. You're only holding yourself back if you refuse to learn from anyone who doesn't make you feel warm and fuzzy.

Every one of the original signatories of the agile manifesto are well-respected coders who have produced major successful pieces of software. Arrogance is unearned confidence and I don't think you can reasonably accuse them of not earning their confidence. If you're judging them as arrogant based on the word "manifesto", that sounds a lot like anti-intellectualism.