Well, the difference is that Perna referred to random ignorant idiots, but you said the OP's argument was ignorant. I think that is a likely inflammatory use of the word, and moreso since the immediately previous use of the word was attached to the word "idiots." Seems you don't agree, and we don't have to agree. Whether it's ESL or any other reason for insensitivity to connotation/implication was not my main point.