I used a cutesy synecdoche to illustrate the overall point that “AoC leaderboard ranking” is essentially uncorrelated with programming ability, despite how heavily the leaderboard is pushed on participants. Otherwise I think the rest of the comment is well-argued and I don’t think a full reading of my comment suggests that “drink coffee late at night” was literally the main deciding factor. In a literal sense, geographic location/time zone is a much stronger variable than coffee consumption. I realize the internet in general (and HN specifically) isn’t a great place for rhetoric like this.

Regardless, I feel like you’re being excessively pedantic as a means to..... police my tone without addressing any of the actual arguments.

You are quick with an explanation that your comment was in good faith, maybe extend that generosity to others next time.

I don't have much to say to your arguments, except that it seems extremely possible not to tie your GitHub handle to AoC.