I can speak with some authority as to the tone etc. of the letter.
1 - it is a fund raising letter. Yes it was written in a way to inform the members of an organization, and those they shared it with, about a situation that the organization was or is getting involved with and asking for donations. Some people find fault in this, I do not. Investigating things like this does cost money, need to discuss it with an attorney he will want to be paid, there are travel costs, and unlike the NFOA Aaron Dorr is paid by his organization for his time. These are some of the expenses that are being taken on here, some how money needs to be raised to pay those bills.
A few years ago there was an incident at a Walgreens in Omaha, the NFOA got involved in support of one of our members and raised funds for his defense. We sent out a letter very similar (though much shorter and distinct) asking for donations for that.
To fight the battles that need to be fought requires money and asking supporters for their financial assistance in a manner that says this is what we need your assistance with is a good way to make the request. Of course there are those organizations that are constantly running around with the sky falling and give them money to hold it up now or you will be crushed, well not only is that just wrong but most of the time they are misleading you about the problems.
That said, want the NFOA to get more involved in things like this: make a donation. Investigating these things can and does cost thousands of dollars just to get started some times. Even with the Boards Members volunteering their time.