I'm sure they believe it. Everyone always thinks their own culture has better taste. That's pretty much what culture is, a loose agreement on what the best X is for a wide variety of X.
The best way out is not to play. Why have any opinion at all about "mcmansions?" Also, why a special term? Why not just call them mansions?
Because they do share characteristics distinctive from large homes (e.g. mansions). The wikipedia article takes a nice crack at it, "The term 'McMansion' is generally used to denote a new, or recent, multi-story house of no clear architectural style,[8] which prizes superficial appearance, and sheer size, over quality."
Or in other words, conspicuous consumption without commensurate quality.
I'm sure you believe it. Everyone always thinks articles that agree with their opinions are superior.
The best way out is not to play. Why have any opinion at all about "articles?"
This one's pretty straightforward. McDonald's is low status. Therefore, mcmansions are also low status.
(I believe the term originates in the desire to mock mass-produced buildings, e.g. a big tract where all the houses basically share a form. That is clearly not how it's being used here.)
Because they are mass-produced and consistently pretty much the same everywhere -- just like McDonald's products.
Isn't this the form of every opinion piece?