Re: In Dick's defense...
If Dick was "saying" that, then he'd have an actual conversation with Tim before taking away his identity. Not present it as a fait accompli where he sets Tim up to be taunted by Damien.
Tim read it right, really; he's far less important to his 'family' than Damien, because Damien is Bruce's Real Son. Once he hove into view, Tim is basically discarded by both Alfred and Dick, who are devoting themeselves to grooming Damien for accession to the throne (which we know, in Morrison world, is exactly what happens.)