Is it likely though that with Sam being basically the face and voice of RL in this country that he's been actively sought for his opinion and he has simply obliged in giving it?

The fact that he was concussed shouldnt be an issue. Granted, it sounded like a very serious collision that was intentional, but it should be judged on that alone, not on the aftermath. A nomal head high tackle could do the same and not look as bad that one. Would people be calling for 8 match + ban then.

We need personalities in what has become a dull sport (media wise)
Id also bring in a transfer window. Our sport isn't in the papers half as much as it should be, its what gets people interested.

It was also very late, which makes it worse.

Wasn't it the same French player who cleaned Sam out in Montpellier last year, and no action taken?

There's nothing wrong with a well-timed shoulder charge. It lifts the crowd and both teams on the field. Surely it's common sense just to ban people when they commit reckless tackles. If they get the timing wrong or make shoulder-on-head contact then they get sent-off, banned etc...