The article quotes several users' comments out of context. In context, some of them seem more like indirect venting rather than directly attacking fellow HNers (pwn0cakes post is the first example), which is my understanding of what PG writes in the quoted rationale on civility. Note that two paragraphs and three user quotes are written in disregard of the above.

I see how one could consider the language used in comments as hard or even offensive and insulting. I also see how one could make a justification for using such inflammatory language when responding to an equally inflammatory and one-sided article, although I do not find it excusable. Nor do I find excusable one's desire to prolong such "mean spirited" debates.

That being said, I do not find flag-able comments in general as something useful. Up- or downmodding fills the same niche. Usage of real names is also not going to happen and serves no purpose other than holding grudges. With regard to notifications about submitted stories, I don't even know how Disqus et al implement this, so I'm reluctant to comment - I had no idea a platform to allow such tracking existed.