WTF does #20 mean? "Occasionally pick random words, sentences, or paragraphs and hit delete. Did it matter?" JF and DHH are among the biggest narcissists I've ever met.
It just an editing action, but proposed without nuance. Books I've read on communication and writing emphasized simplicity and clarity. I use iA Writer and there is an option to mark filler words, so you can check if you really need them in the sentence. I wouldn't do it randomly, but you can express your points in fewer lines. Sometimes I write entire paragraphs on HN and don't post it afterwards, because after rereading, I find it adds little to the conversation and was more an emotional response.