[laumars]

> there is a gulf between "failing" as a clear runtime (or compile-time) error at the point of an incorrect invocation, and "failing" by silently yielding a nonsensical state

Of course. But then I also made that point too. Frequently in fact and in the very post you're replying to as well. Plus also in the other reply that echoed the same point you're raising here. I'm not justifying Go's behavior here. Absolutely not! It is unexpected and bad. But we have already established and agreed on that point so moved onto another question regarding whether the authors example is an issue that is likely to arise often. I was attempting to explain why I felt it was a poor example and not trying to justify Go's behavior - which at risk of repeating myself: we all already agree is bad.