I really wonder what kind of person downvotes this without commenting

I might have done - you claim questionable reasons for Thiel's actions without evidence. For one thing he didn't start it.

I'll downvote that WITH commenting, also HN rules encourage against ranting about downvotes, fyi.

I don't think there's any issue with asking when no explanation is provided and it's unclear to you. Whereas complaining about it is just tedious and doesn't add anything of value.

wonder no further!