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It certainly wasn't the only digression either. I think you sign up for this when you pick up a Stephenson book. It's part of his intellectual style.

The Diamond Age is like 75% digression.

Hopefully not to stern to leave out Capt'n Crunch and frozen milk.

How much of this just comes down to taste? I enjoyed that whole book, including the digression.

I enjoyed it at the time, but whenever I re-read it, I typically skip over that section.

For what it's worth, there's a huge audience for Stephenson's work, so I'm perfectly fine with him digressing in his books - I always enjoy it on a first read-through, and most of them are enjoyable during a re-read, too. No need to try to take those away to satisfy a slightly larger audience.

Fair point. I didn't consider re-reads. Although, as you say, it's easy for the bored re-reader to just skip it.

I certainly would. Some of my favorite passages ever, fascinating stuff.

You found page after page of awkwardly written furniture fetish fascinating? Whatever blows your hair back, I guess.