[Gollapalli]

I think he just meant "level of physical risk undertaken."

[oonerspism]

Agree + acknowledge. It's an arbitrary constraint however, to imply that any comparison to SEALs must be based upon physical prowess.

Why should metaphors referencing the SEAL's mental tenacity, their problem solving abilities, their dedication, their principles, their protective role, their place as an agent of conflict, not be equally valid?

Of course they are, and it's only those who put an overemphasis upon physical prowess (at the detriment of all else) who are offended by the author's metaphor here.

[l33t2328]

> any comparison to SEALs must be based upon physical prowess

Since items an inherently physical job, it makes sense.

We all agree computers are important. That doesn’t make the comparison less ridiculous.

[oonerspism]

Figures-of-speech allow for a broad range of comparison. As mentioned already, several key SEAL traits such as:

presence in conflict; mental strength; role as specialists; frontline protection work keeping regular people safe; tenacity and dedication

..are also key traits of vastly disparate things like online moderation.

Figures-of-speech referencing those other qualities are perfectly valid.

[l33t2328]

Comparing the level of these traits present in online moderators to the level of these traits present in SEALs is inexplicable.

[oonerspism]

"Comparing the level of these traits present in online moderators to the level of these traits present in SEALs is inexplicable."

As some of the traits noted are binary - either present, or not - the concept of "level" is not applicable.

The commonality of the traits is a valid basis for figure-of-speech.