I know it's highly open to interpretation, but when I make a remark like "please stop being an asshole in HN comments", I specifically phrase it that way to be a comment about behavior, not person. The choice of the word 'asshole' is not accidental, either—it's a degree more intense than 'jerk', and I use it when the comment and/or the prior history of the account seem to warrant a more intense signal. Sort of like a yellow card vs. a red card:
https://hn.algolia.com/?dateRange=all&page=0&prefix=true&que...
https://hn.algolia.com/?dateRange=all&page=0&prefix=true&que...
I hear you that it wasn't helpful in this case and appreciate the even-keeled reaction!