I think you misunderstand them. They're poking HN with a stick, just to get a rise out of you. As in: "these guys think they matter, but they really don't, not to us." It's a little petty and mean, but I have a similar pettiness and meanness in me, so I kind of get it.

As to the response to their response, well, nobody likes being ignored or perceived as insignificant, especially those with large egos, and there are a lot of large egos here on HN.