I figured this was the root of all the hostility. A good way to not have a conversation with people you don't like: don't reply to them and talk to them. I'll bow out here.
You're not alone in getting that response, its sort of curious that anyone would come to a discussion forum and post that to almost everyone who chooses to interact with them.
I've seen it on other forums too though, I wonder if its an online behaviour thing, like there is an illusionary gallery which people imagine they are interacting with of lurkers and others besides the members who're posting. Its not restricted to this poster but they're just good at it right now.