[rlpb]

Sounds like he cannot comment for legal reasons.

On the other hand, assuming that you have filed a lawsuit against Coinbase, it sounds like you can no longer pass neutral comment on the matter. Something you seem to have conveniently not mentioned.

[thinkcomp]

I've written about the lawsuit often enough on HN that I'm routinely criticized for writing too much. Of course, if I don't bring it up, I must be trying to hide it.

In any event, there's no legal reason why he couldn't comment. He's not involved, except to the extent that his own company might also be ignoring the law and thereby breaking it--which I have no idea if it's the case or not. But plenty of startups do.

[wpietri]

The bulk of readers are not going to know your history. I didn't.

It doesn't take a lot to add "[full disclosure: I'm suing Coinbase]" when you opine on Coinbase. Having somebody else bring it up first definitely reduces your credibility.