I don't think anyone doubted that KG had their back, but I do think this was the first leadership move made in awhile. As a result, I think the team will come together a bit more knowing that it's all or nothing.
With regards to Q-Rich... I ABSOLUTELY agree that he should have been suspended. Trash talking is something that is done in the media or during play. He wasn't trash talking, he was instigating a fight as much as anyone possibly could instigate one. He created a dangerous situation that didn't blow up b/c of Garnett's elbow. It blew up way before that, and all thanks to Richardson. The NBA is so backwards on their penalties.
Hopefully the Celtics don't worry about Richardson because quite frankly he isn't worth letting in your head. Instead, they need to play fierce defense and attack the rim on offense.
The reason you cant suspend from verbal instigation is because there is too much subjectivity without knowing exactly what was said. If Q had come over and headbutted or pushed KG and stepped on Paul, then yes he can get suspended for instigating with physical force. That is something tangible. Someone said it earlier but KG taunts his opponents the entire game and many times gets in their heads. Alot of times these players want to rip KGs head off.
Your last sentence is spot on. Channel the energy into the game, not the extrcurricular. Set hard, clean picks. Box out with some nastiness. Dunk on guys heads. Crash the offensive glass. Dive for loose balls. Get the crowd involved.