[smarx]

You've given a clear, easy to understand example of something, and you've told people that this something is a zero-knowledge proof.

Anyone who doesn't know what a zero-knowledge proof is will give you positive feedback, because they had an easy time understanding the example you presented.

People who do know what a zero-knowledge proof is will correctly point out that the thing you described is not a zero-knowledge proof.

I think this explains the gap you're seeing between the feedback here and the feedback in "less technical forums." It's difficult to come up with real-world examples of zero-knowledge proofs, but there are two good examples on Wikipedia and one here (the "Where's Waldo?" example).

[mhluongo]

Perhaps I should've said "considering the feedback I've gotten from technical and non-technical reviewers".

I think my loose narrative could be turned into a proper zk proof with few restrictions- care to give it a try?

[nhaehnle]

I'd say the burden of proof that your example can be turned into a genuine zero-knowledge proof is squarely on you.