[Redbob]

Is calling him a "crotchedy old man" some sort substitute for trying to refute his arguments?
Some circles would call that an 'ad hominem' attack, and recognize it for what it is - a failure of reasoning.

[silmaril]

Is calling him a "crotchedy old man" some sort substitute for trying to refute his arguments?

Not at all: it's a supplement to it. Is accusing me of a "failure of reasoning" some sort substitute [sic] for trying to refute mine?

I'll leave it to you to actually read the article, pick out Sukle's single relevant statement, and then return to the postings to see where I've addressed it on its own merits in full.