Doesn't the fact that so many people are wanting to "return" to the church and the sacraments say something important? To show them mercy and open the door to welcome them is the most Christ-like response according to any reading of the Gospel, in my view. After all, they could go elsewhere but are trying to stay. 

As for those wanting "clarity," anyone who can read can follow a rule book--you don't need a bishop or priest or cardinal for that. Of course, accompanying people on a path of discernment is a lot more work and requires more than fulminating from a pulpit!