Actually, that was mostly for narrative flow. I speculated you were dicking with Ren when writing, but the alternative interpretation made for a better story. Young newcomers being misguided jerks trying to attack well-rooted old jerks and failing makes for a more interesting story than a well-rooted old jerk taking a young newcomer jerk's taunts seriously and trying to thrash him for it. And the idea of the both of you not taking the thing seriously is just trivial and boring.Also Fournine, nice sum-up. But you also assumed I was taking this seriously.
Ren - I'm not making any statement with the suggestion that sarcasm notation mimic your signature posting style. The comment was made merely because it was too perfect not to.
As an aside, would either of you be interested in buying a bridge?