That would be so cheap. Haven't seen that before from Googlers - they have been really good about not influencing HN discussions, IMO. (Perhaps this angle is their kryptonite, though?)

Have seen it a lot in Microsoft-related stories, to the point where I've refrained from commenting, because I know a giant pile of downvotes/flaggings would be incoming if I were to write anything negative.

Haven't experienced anything like this with stories about any of the other large companies.