Not sure if that's typical, but my perspective is this: I know almost nothing about energy infrastructure, and even less about local conditions and history in that field. I do tend to lend credibility to HN users who seem to have detailed knowledge, like cbmuser. However, I also see that they are often engaged in heated discussions where basic statements of facts are disputed on both sides.

With that in mind, I don't see why it would have to be inflammatory to ask cbmuser if a) they work in that field b) there are potential conflicts of interest and c) what their general outlook is. Even if there is a conflict of interest, that wouldn't invalidate their positions, of course, it's just something to keep in mind when reading.

Edit: you're right dmos62, this comment was a bit trite. I can't delete it anymore now. Thank you for clarifying anyway!