I don't think it's reasonable to consider that a stereotypical HN reader - after all, the discussion started with an observation of how many people apparently do not read a paid Times subscription, on an iPad or otherwise.

And I can only speak for myself when I say I consider Starbucks coffee prohibitively expensive. In that respect, the comparison is apt.

Definitely not comparing value. Comparing cost.

The same thing. I believe he was pointing at the "well-off white male / hipster" smell of it all, not implying that they underappreciated the NYT.