It's the tall poppy syndrome. Truth is, all we know about Elon is his public persona and he uses that to talk up his own book. Much like a16z invest in Adam Neu

It's the tall poppy syndrome. Truth is, all we know about Elon is his public persona and he uses that to talk up his own book. Much like a16z invest in Adam Neumann's latest venture, not because they think it is a good idea but because their investment will get so much publicity that it might give enough momentum to a bad idea and turn it into a good idea. Most forums have become conformist around a specific set of values, whether they are right-leaning or left-leaning. As soon as you present a different opinion you face the wrath of the community. The net-net is that people coalesce around like minded people. This leads to the creation of echo-chambers comprised of people who won't change their mind. Conversations would never get as heated or barbed in person.