While it’s nice to hear more context in response to the OP’s criticisms, I’m not sure I would consider a response mostly defending the criticisms “beyond awesome”.

Most tech startups know the influence HN has, and to respond to a top post with a mostly defensive stance (vs. the OP points actually having an impact on the decisions being made) is a smart move on the part of the CEO (I would probably do the same thing).

Just saying I wouldn’t have used the words “beyond awesome”.