It's just bizarre that the rule doesn't apply to packetslave. Snide personal remarks based on truth are okay? Scare quotes around the word "confirm"?

I see nothing wrong with the quotes, nor do I read that comment as snide, exactly. But you're right that the use of personal details as ammunition is not ok.

Ok, fair enough, tone is subject to interpretation.

If you're new to HN you might not be aware of the baiting of googlers that michaelochurch sometimes does.

Thanks, sometimes it's hard to see who's trolling who.

How is agreeing that posted salary numbers are accurate "baiting of googlers"?

Why is every discussion of fact treated as incendiary?

People react as if they were baited when they see my name. That's on them, not me.