Absolutely they were! I eventually wrote a reply addressing your points on that thread, not sure if you saw it (though this isn't a chase for further replies, alas I haven't had time for QM in a few years). Thanks again for your help there. One of those threads that really shows the value lurking around HN (alongside its anti-java bias :) )
In the process of learning it myself I tried to do my bit towards that by writing a little game. Sorry for the Java
http://tropic.org.uk/~crispin/quantum/
I'm not the only one
https://quantumgame.io/
https://github.com/stared/science-based-games-list
I do share your frustration with the mysteries of the Standard Model (and hope to understand them one day)