Scroll down. Or don't, your not really missing anything by skipping that thread.
There don't appear to be any DDG haters in the threads on this article. There are two people who seem to hate (or at least dislike) Stephen Wolfram, though.
(Disclaimers: I have showdead on, this is accurate as of 9:31 PM, GMT).
I read it as haters of the deal rather than haters of DDG. For example, thebooktocome made a comment saying that (s)he was done with DDG because of the deal. Sorry if it was confusing.
Did you get to meet Mr Wolfram? Doesn't look like it from the vibe I get from that, but who knows.
No, but I haven't been travelling due to the imminent birth of kid #2. The vibe is good!