Some people like to talk about “some people” snidely, instead of just coming out and saying “GP is bloodthirsty and gets a little thrill [etc].” Because of course, that’s what they mean, but they can’t back it up.
Would you like me too? I thought it unnecessary and needlessly rude to single anyone out: There are many examples of HN regulars behaving this way, and in my impression it has considerably increased over the last six years. I'm sure I could find a post or two of my own that is guilty of it-- it's increasingly the culture here, as unfortunate as it is and it's something we should all watch out for to avoid it in ourselves and to discount it in others.
I think it’s possible to observe something and be sure that it’s true in aggregate without being able to accuse any one individual of it. I propose that in those cases, bringing it up in response to an individual is not a good move. It doesn’t sound any less accusatory for being ostensibly about the general public.