You're right that it's a gaping hole in the article, but it's not hypocritical. All web projects involve people from different disciplines working together. My background, for example, is in Psychology and User Research. People in my role can relay user needs, goals and expectations to you, but we can't tell you what development approach to use to solve it.
Your analogy does not stand true: security labels in real-world stores don't cause a percentage of customers to give up their purchases in frustration.
Having said that, in a forum like HN, most readers would expect both a statement of the problem and some proposed solutions. Frankly, when I posted this article, I didn't expect it to get onto the No. 1 spot on the front page. It must be a slow news day.
You're right, 'hypocritical' is not the correct word here, as you are not displaying behavior for which you criticise others.
As for the security labels: a few days ago I wanted to fit a belt with an awkward security label that prevented a proper fit. It was an additional bump that wasn't overcome and may have been the only thing preventing me from buying it.
Your analogy does not stand true: security labels in real-world stores don't cause a percentage of customers to give up their purchases in frustration.
Having said that, in a forum like HN, most readers would expect both a statement of the problem and some proposed solutions. Frankly, when I posted this article, I didn't expect it to get onto the No. 1 spot on the front page. It must be a slow news day.