You don't see that type of subtlety or quiet, cold rage in scenes today, especially with characters who are women. Today's Y&R would've had Jill and Esther bickering from the moment Jill arrived and Katherine playing referee before barking at both Jill and Esther.
Perhaps because Daytime Emmys, which became the arbiter of what was scene as high-level performances seemed to overwhelmingly award more maudlin performances, the writers dispensed with the subtleties and went in favor of outright crying, shrieking and wailing in scenes. And yelling, cannot forget the yelling.
I assumed it was an excuse she threw out there because she despised her storylines and thought it wasn't worth showing up for what was being written for her. I'm surprised people take these actors so literally.