[ Understands and does nothing. He'll argue with Spock for the sake of it, but even Erik knows at the end of everything, he's still loyal to Kirk. It doesn't stop him from being passionate against the man nevertheless. ]

Actions speak louder than words, however. Understanding only goes so far until the other party refuses to even acknowledge your words.

[ Such as now, when the offending party is deliberately calling out people he cares about. ]