I believe that Atwood is heartfelt here. However, I feel like this is a cathartic analysis. Few things are what we think they are.
I think comparing depression to being frustrated at a game is ridiculous and I hope he rethinks the analogy. I think it would be more useful to talk about how we as a profession/subculture might better watch out for each other and our common interests so that we do not only start making noise after something awful happens than to present some platitude about never giving up. Atwood carries a lot of influence, though, so what he says is noteworthy whether or not it's useful. But yes, I think it's heartfelt, and I'm still unsure whether it's fair to criticize it. If it was someone less influential I'd be sure it wasn't.
I agree with all of that. I do get a sense, however, that in the 'hacker' community there is an misguided effort to analyze and contextualize some things that elude such efforts by their very nature. Although this essay is sincere, it does not sit well with me. IMHO if Atwood knew Swartz personally, it's probable that he wouldn't feel comfortable with it. A philosophy teacher of mine once said that he believed the highest compliment that could be paid to someone that has been lost is to say: "He was a good person."
"It's just a game" is a phrase used whenever one wishes to diminish the importance of any task. Games have long been some form of simulation or other, regardless of how symbolic they may be, and that simulation is chosen because it mirrors some aspect of our lives. It's an analogy, and a largely relevant one. The primary difference is that you can't un-commit suicide.
It's absolutely fair to criticize it. It's a public work.