Thank you for the perspective. I suppose it was ad hom. I can't take his post in any way constructively (if it was a warning what am I supposed to do about it? Does he think I'm so stupid I can't see the risk already?) and while I don't doubt it was an honest comment, despite my suggestion of trolling which I regret making, I seriously doubt the poster considered the damaging effect it has on general discourse - or doing something about it himself.

It was was ad hom because I see his reply as outright destructive. If the poster replied, I'd be happy to talk and to delete my post and perhaps we both could gain. And I'd feel a lot happier! I'd feel like something changed.

But instead, downvotes instead of answers.

I've had enough of HN. So many smart people, but then the rest... Please feel free to flag that post of mine. DanG, please ban me.