Sure, but (I think this is what the commenter was asking about), it has to hit the page in order to generate the preview, does it not?

Yes, but clicking also results in your browser having to hit the page. The concern is doing so accidentally, which is reasonable if it required a hover interaction (but luckily, it doesn't).

Obviously but you are triggering it, if you don’t do it it won’t do it.

Safari is exactly the same on iOS at least.