Several valid points/counterpoints made already, so I won't repeat any of them.

My only observation - merlyn isn't the only fellow Monk who can be outspoken and rough at times.   Is he being held to a higher standard than the rest of us?

I've never submitted code advanced enough to even warrant his attention, and likely never will. Perhaps I'd feel different if I were the recipient of a "+7 handslap".
    tragedy #3,
    sigh,
    ybiC

p.s. these two nodes from about a month ago seem particularly relevant.