FWIW, HN values directness and precision, even in questions. I bet if you'd said "Did increased military spending have anything to do with this?" you'd get a quick answer "no" and few downvotes; but what you actually said was "Perhaps this is the result of an increase in military research efforts" with a question mark on the end, and I expect HN was reacting to that.

Your original question is indistinguishable from a societal suicide cultist "just asking questions" to promote dear leader. There's an endless flood of that, so the best thing to do is downvote (or flag) and move on. Engaging just drives further engagement.