The vehemence against bodhran players is mostly expressed by those who cannot play themselves.
Both instruments require a lot of skill to play well.
Certainly a poorly played bodhran is painful to hear, but no more so than any other instrument played badly.
A well played bodhran is a delightful accompaniment to some (but not all) tunes. Personally, I love Christy Moore's use of the instrument.
But then it is always a matter of taste.

I'm sorry that Tom Carroll, whose beloved Ireland is responsible for the things in the first place, is so distressed by their misuse. Cheer up Tom, at least you live in the home of traditional music. The rest of us are just trying to create our own little "traditional homesteads" many miles from Spancil Hill.