[bbulkow]

Definition of arbitrary: 'based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system.' (Google)

Being first is not arbitrary. It is hard to achieve, and valuable. It is a reason.

There were networking systems before TCP and alongside TCP, TCP was clearly superior for a large number of reasons.

Given that everyone on hacker news's livelihood stems from the awesome of TCP (not an over statement), I propose a bit more respect.