I cannot think of any motivation for any techie to create an account to spread propaganda (masquerading as informed opinion) unless that individual is getting something in return from Apple et al.
HN, "spanhandler" user is a symphtom of why HN has become a servant of power.
> Please don't post insinuations about astroturfing, shilling, brigading, foreign agents and the like. It degrades discussion and is usually mistaken. If you're worried about abuse, email hn@ycombinator.com and we'll look at the data.
Whether or not spanhandler is employed or getting something from Apple doesn't matter as long as they're posting cogent arguments. It would be fine for Tim Cook himself to come onto the thread and start bashing Open Standards.