It really makes me sad to see this comment on HN.

It was clearly said in jest - think of it as a sarcastic "No easy route that is legal."

It makes me sad that I no longer see it, but just a [dead] placeholder.

I like graying out the obnoxious stuff. I don't mind forcing people to click again to see something that is truly offensive. But I think when stuff disappears completely a certain line has been crossed.

I figured out (because PG mentioned it in his essay about HN) that I just have to set "show dead" in my profile options, and I can see the crap too.

This is better than actually completely deleting, because it enables people to check on the moderation system and build trust in it.

This response I enjoyed and agreed with. I am sad, however, that this thread made the front page.