Straw man alert. I've never heard a YIMBY argue for "build anything, anywhere." I've only ever heard them argue for exactly what the article proposes, i.e. smart, context-aware density.
Really? That's not the impression I get from comments here on HN. It does sound more like some people support the idea of unlimited construction, at least they might just be the most vocal.
I live near Boston, and Boston reached its peak population in the 1930s--over 800,000. Today the population is closer to 600,000, and the number of units of housing available in the city is about 60% higher than it was in the 1930s. Is it cheaper to live here now? No, it is not. The idea of induced demand is definitely in play with housing: when more is available, more is demanded.
I live near Boston, and Boston reached its peak population in the 1930s--over 800,000. Today the population is closer to 600,000, and the number of units of housing available in the city is about 60% higher than it was in the 1930s. Is it cheaper to live here now? No, it is not. The idea of induced demand is definitely in play with housing: when more is available, more is demanded.