We're both seeing rudeness. We both dislike rudeness. I think it's rude to rain on someone's parade. You think it's rude to assume someone hadn't thought through their comment (I basically agree) and to address the person rather than the points (I also basically agree).

You might note my original comment included softening elements ("perhaps", "not saying you're wrong"). In general if you look at all my comments you'll see I'm not a rude person, I'm pretty agreeable in general.

I was (trying to) make a meta point rather than a point about the specific technical issue. I agree (again!) that the last word has not been said on this issue or on any other issue where tradeoffs need to be weighed.

I read Walter's comment and thought "Wow, that's a surprising, clever and innovative idea, I'm impressed". And I just didn't enjoy someone bluntly saying, in effect. "No you're wrong, you shouldn't do it like that". It's as simple as that really. I know blunt exchanges of views are normal for programmers and engineers, I don't have to like it every time.

Finally, I know Walter Bright is no shrinking violet and he definitely doesn't need me to defend him!