[inopinatus]

GP is correct. The Quora answer has a false dilemma that you've just perpetuated here, viz. that an OO program cannot use a compact representation. But there are standard patterns for using a compact representation of data for domain-model objects.

The article's author isn't just unaware of them, they've written a petulant, arrogant article demonstrating their own lack of experience and adaptability.

[loup-vaillant]

I'm interested. Care to elaborate how an OO approach could yield a compact representation in this particular case?

[rrobukef]

A facade wrapping the representation would sufficiently transform the paradigm?