Why did it fail?
Phil demonstrating the mentality of a true champion, while indirectly shutting up potential haters.
Please explain "low-status behavior."
In short, there's a certain relation between your self-image and the way you tend to behave. You will find more details & examples on http://www.saywhydoi.com/why-do-i-have-high-or-low-social-status/ The body language part is also an interesting part.
Ok, so just a different take on insecure or low self-esteem, right?