alt Hacker News> I'm trying to square this guy's experience with all of the homeless people who don't seem nearly so lucky.
Although I don't think there's an image to confirm, "Informed Attractiveness", aka "Pretty people are always happy to espouse how friendly strangers are to them" - probably applies. There's also simple charisma which carries a long way. I wouldn't say I was ever super hot (maybe a 7 at one point), but I can point to many situations where I benefitted from being attractive (in appearance, action, or mannerism). Some tangled beard doesn't change host most people perceive me.
Important point. AKA the halo effect, and it can have a significant influence. In general, I feel that this is a more widespread problem with stories and experiences such as these - there are simply too many "hidden" variables to take them at face value. Environment, genetics, circumstances, upbringing, cognitive biases and instinctual/biological human nature all work together to create a cocktail of unique experiences, leading to unique conclusions.