I admit that I exaggerated with my wording that you think Google is non-existent on the academic front. It's unfortunate that your response focuses almost entirely on this one aspect, and not the message my post attempted to convey.

> someone who correctly points out that Google is not #1 in funding academic researchers

This type of wording is unnecessary. You are declaring that you are correct, while at the same time not providing supporting evidence when requested.

> This is precisely the sort of unproductive back and forth argument that the HN software is designed to discourage and punish

Welp. I am sorry this had such a negative effect on you. We can certainly agree to disagree. Cheers.