I think I can provide an explanation for their increasing popularity: people have figured out that it gives a cheap boost to the "legitimacy" of their comment without adding any actual substance, partially because it stirs a feeling of guilt and wanting to "be better" (either than the rest of HN, or as an individual).
Needless to say, it's just another form of emotional manipulation that doesn't add anything to the discussion.
The guidelines already discourage this kind of thing: "Please don't sneer, including at the rest of the community."[1]
It seems to me that you're arguing the only way to not demand ideological purity is by demanding that the only factor that should be considered is end user experience.
Which, ironically, is demanding far more ideological purity than the person you replied to is.
Also quietly amused by the hypocrisy of your comment.
The top voted comments criticizing them all have clearly valid claims. it does not matter if the "ethical" product is good if the company behind them isn't ethical.
I'm making the position that cutting off your nose to spite your face isn't productive.