Strikes me as a modern interpretation of the age old "US brought pens to space, Russia brought pencils" debacle. As the article states, we don't have to brave it because we out-smarted that situation. In no way does their environmental condition prove intergalactic superiority.

Yes righ, space-x rocket can return. Russian rocketa can not return but can lift more heavy cargo up to space. And if space-x rocket will not return and will be lost somewhere. So can space-x team work outside at -52°C or not?. That was the question of that Russian - about warm chairs.