A "…by reasonable readers" can be assumed.

If you want scrupulous disclosure of relevant affiliations inline in every single comment where they could apply, I think you're in the wrong place.

As you note, it's not a site guideline. As I've noted in a sibling thread, it wouldn't fit the minimalist HN presentation, and would place an onerous burden on both writers & readers.

It'd also especially encumber people with deep personal knoweldge and interest in some topics, if every related post required boilerplate "I'm employed by X"/etc inserts.

But putting it in the bio for the curious/suspicious is a very honorable thing to do!

Again, I don't think you speak for all "reasonable readers". I have seen plenty of disclosures on this site, and I think that should be the default.