What I did in my first post was try to respect the fact that that may be their view of things and validate their perspective, then kindly explain that I don't see it, and would be open to hearing more about what they see. I could perhaps see how the "Thanks! :)" unintentionally adds a layer of sarcasm, but it's kind of a bummer if that's the case.

Regarding your other comment, I know, and that's exactly my point. You had a concern about the way that the other post framed the user's opinion. My comment attempted to do exactly what you're asking for - approach the user with a positive attitude and ask for more data without vilifying them (eg, "[making] people sound like assholes").

Ah, well. Enjoy your day. :)

Please, I'm begging you not to do this. HN is the only platform on the internet I still engage with because it's one of the few places where people generally act like people (whether the emotions are positive or negative), as opposed to the broader internet, where the smirking tone of provocation is always the first priority.

I've already said I've just been trying to be polite in my conversations. There's no "smirking tone of provocation" intended, and the smilies are intended to be taken at face value - genuine smiles, not sarcastic or superior smirks.

I've told you a few times now that I'm attempting to be polite as I converse in good faith. I don't know how else to make that point again, nor why you continue to insist I'm being provocative. I wished you a nice day because I could feel that we were already at that impasse.