ILFC parent AIG: "thanks Steve, John, whoever..."

My early days in communications have actually been pretty challenging professionally, but sometimes I think there's less to it than it might seem. For example:

AIG statement on the resignation of ILFC founder Steve Udvar-Hazy, 4 Feb 2010:

"On behalf of AIG, I would like to thank Steve for his tireless service to ILFC," said Robert H. Benmosche, AIG President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are grateful for the work he has done to continue ILFC's leadership in the industry."

AIG statement on the resignation of John Plueger, 26 Mar 2010:

"On behalf of AIG, I would like to thank John for his tireless service to ILFC," said Robert H. Benmosche, AIG President and Chief Executive Officer.
Douglas M. Steenland, non-executive Chairman of the ILFC Board of Directors, said, "We are grateful for the work John has done to continue ILFC's leadership in the industry."

Presumably the sheer intellectual effort of saying something was so challenging that it just seemed simpler to say nothing. But what to make of the subtle sharing of the quote in the second case? Ilfcologists everywhere willl be pondering that one I'm sure.