I think you missed the crux of the article. The article is not about manipulating emotions with lies, it's about getting different opinions and perspectives on your product.
His method was a little crass, but I'll bet he wrote it with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek.
I don't see a problem with it. I say put it out there and see if it's of interest to the HN clan. By inhibiting yourself, you're only depriving yourself of an audience who might be genuinely interested.