The problem is that HN actually incentivizes commenters via a feedback loop of upvotes to make this kind of comment. HN loves facts and disagreement with facts is like playing trivial pursuit, you can show off your knowledge with 0 risk because you don't need to take up any position other than pointing out a flaw.

As they say, you don't have to play the violin at all or as well as Yehudi Menuhin to be able to point out that he just missed a note. Criticism is easy, creation is hard.