I really think that the HN guidelines need updating, so that we're directed to consider those comments the same way we do accusations of astroturfing:

> Please don't post insinuations about astroturfing, shilling, brigading, foreign agents, and the like. It degrades discussion and is usually mistaken. If you're worried about abuse, email [email protected] and we'll look at the data.

It "degrades discussion" in exactly the same fashion.