I think reading “u” takes longer than reading “you”.

With “u”, I have to pause for a moment and think “that’s not a normal word; I wonder if they meant to type ‘i’ instead (and just hit a little left of target)?” and then maybe read the passage twice to see which is more likely.

I don’t think it’s quite as much a contradiction. (It still could be more gruff than needed.)

probably a generational thing, I process that and other common texting/internet abbreviations exactly like normal words.

Yh u gtta b c00l w abbrvs

The noobs don't got how we get where we get?

edit: I remember how some communities changed into: The help isn't good enough, you should help harder, I want you to help me by these conventions. Then they leave after getting their answer and no one has seen them ever again rather than join the help desk.