Not sure why there is shock and indignation over an NFL player being docked(fined). That is a point of agreement with the Players and the NFL. Considering the arbitrary and improper foundation of these fines, the players/union should take up the cause. Otherwise any indignation over NFL players being fined (unlike typical employee of company X) is erroneous.
To the larger question, Browner's penalties. IMHO his attitude is semi needed to combat being steamrolled and bullied like the Patriots were by the Ravens in 2010. Also, I think there are times certain players have to make a 'bold' statement to an opponent trying to bully/intimidate.
Yet there is this one huge consideration: The Patriots will want to play 3 games in a row from a pool of teams that include Indy, Ravens, Pitt, Denver, Seattle, GB, Dallas, Philly. Chances of winning 3 in a row from that pool are the most challenging. a 3 out of 3 win outcome may change on just a play or two. For example: a successfully stopped third down is reversed by a worthless and thoughtless personal foul. What should have been a stop ends up a TD for the opponent.
The Patriots avoiding negative plays, especially ones that had nothing to do with the play, is key to a 3 game winning streak against the best competition the NFL has to offer.