Sorry, this rule is another example of rules that should be removed from HN. This thread does indeed look astroturfed to all hell and the current role encourages users to ignore it. Dang and the rest of HN needs to seriously consider reforming this rule rather than sticking their fingers in their ears and going "lalalala" as this stuff happens.

What makes you say this thread is astroturfed? This is a controversial subject that usually leads to more emotional debate, but there's absolutely nothing to indicate astroturfing. The word does not mean "opinions I don't agree with" and isn't even synonymous with brigading (which I don't see any proof of either)

If you turn on showdead and have a scroll through the second page here you might come to agree with the parent.