"NOLA is it effortlessly wipes away a fascinating and estimable history and heritage. Who would talk about how "NOLA Jazz" transformed music? And with the city itself on the edge of total wipeout, honouring and preserving the link with the past seems important."

That really isn't the case. Simply using an abbreviation does not wipe away anything, it is just an abbreviation that is a signal to anyone who reads it of the city behind the 4 letters.   I've never heard anyone SAY the word "NOLA" in conversation - either Nawlins or New Orleans, or the Big Easy are more common.

It may be a cultural differene. Personally, when I hear someone from the UK saying they are going for a "fag", I think that is highly disrepectful.   Each country has their own styles and there is no disrepect meant when used in context.