Absolutely. How does this narrative sound: "We really want to bring turn-by-turn navigation and many other features to our users. To do this, Google wants more access to user data. We take our users' privacy very seriously and find these terms unacceptable, therefore we're developing our own app, starting now. We're eager for your feedback as we build up to a public release. Help us make Maps on iPhone the best experience on any platform."
Instead, we got this: "Designed by Apple from the ground up, Maps gives you turn-by-turn spoken directions, interactive 3D views, and the stunning Flyover feature.1 All of which may just make this app the most beautiful, powerful mapping service ever."
I mean, really?!
Good narrative. Although I really question Apple's commentary about what Google did and didn't want regarding privacy. I don't think much or all of it had to do with privacy. I think Apple didn't want to have anything Google branded on their phone - which was part of Google's terms. Among some other details.
It's very much like Apple to divert the attention/reason/etc as to make them look like champions and the competition as inferior or wanting to do 'evil'.