BCC seems to have been a learning playground that gave him a real business on which to sharpen the skills he's now known for, and which produced a bit of profit on top to boot. But a small competitive market is still a small competitive market. There's only so far optimization can take you in that scenario--if you have the skills, you're better off seeking a bigger pie to apply them to.
Not to say I don't find it strange in some ways too - I've had passive projects make more with less effort - but I don't talk about it, thus no profile.
You're the awkward guy at the party who likes to think he's making people uncomfortable with his comments but failing at it.
I too don't see the point of optimising a product you don't want to work with anymore, if there are more lucrative projects on the horizon.
Those skills are clearly that which people envy, even though it's not hacking.
"Yearly Revenue: $31,000"
Where did you get $60k from?
I'm not sure the opportunity costs are that high... especially when you're 1. Only spending a handful of hours on it (his claim) and 2. Your whole schtick for your consulting services is how you deserve $$$$ because using your A/B optimization whatever skills you can improve conversion/traction by xxxx%!
He spent 9 years on BCC that resulted in ~30K (edited, misread as 60K) in ARR.
I think his ideas and insights are valid. I just find it odd the contrast between his curated HN celebrity image as an uber-hacker with his actual results.
Doesn't seem like his skills resulted in much success with BCC but it sure helps his consulting career...
Sorry I'm the awkward guy at the party that makes people feel uncomfortable :)