Doesn't Facebook do pretty much the exact same thing?
Personally, I don't get why Gruber is so upset. There is an option to always hide the DiggBar. Hover over the X on the right and click the down arrow. Then there's a link that sets a cookie so you never see it again.
To me, he just sounds like a grumpy old man. The thing is useful, simple, and non-intrusive if you don't want to see it. No need to get profane about it...
Might shed some light on the downmods.
I mean, seriously. It is 2009. We are all adults. Are you honestly telling me you are offended, even in the slightest, by hearing the word "fuck"? If so - you got problems.
Swear words are part of the language. Whether one uses them or not depends on the circumstance - inopportune or over-use gets you marked down as lacking class or civility, warranted use is justified and commendable. This is the latter IMO. I personally applaud Gruber telling Digg to "go fuck yourself". That's exactly what I thought, too, and they deserve nothing better.
By trying to label and dismiss his justifiable reaction as "profane", though, you sound not only self-righteous, but as if you are attempting to discredit his argument using moral labels - like someone who is "profane" doesn't merit hearing out. Well, if that's what you think, you can go fuck yourself, too.