is it illegal on this site to post this link in the first place?
Why would it be illegal?
not sure... why did he post the paywall link and the correct link in the comments?
He (I) posted the paywalled link as is the HN rule. I then posted a free gift link in the comments so that readers who do not subscribe to the Times are able to read it. The link in the comments IS NOT the "correct" (original) link.