Believe me, I know this is true for users in general. But I'd hoped it didn't extend to people who applied to YC.

Of course there is more at stake for them which should make them more careful. But whether someone reads the text in the UI is not in general a measure of cluefulness. In fact smart people may be even less willing to read anything because they assume they don't need to.

Will you give it a rest?

sorry, it is rested.

rms needs to let pg be positive during this time. So lets lay off minor details when so many other things are more important.

I suspect this might be a bit of a test in itself...

It's actually a carefully designed method to screen out candidates who take showers, use the bathroom, or eat food.

/Fast hands make less beatings.

I'm pretty sure if you don't read and follow instructions for applying to something, it means you should be disqualified. Not other way around of having Paul Graham pander to everyone.