That definitely does change the tenor of the debate. Probably an important point to have been in the writeup--there is a big difference between statements unsupported and statements with links.

But at the same time, all links are not created equal, and shaky foundations make for shaky arguments. Reading through the spark here, I see this sequence:

Article: "Some of what Lady Gaga does clashes with her self-identification as a feminist. For example, she appropriates from people of color and nonwhite people. See this link." (This is part of a wider theme of examining--not judging, just analyzing and closely inspecting--the question of Lady Gaga's feminism as represented through her music, and perhaps also the degree to which culture at large gets into crazy debates about Lady Gaga in particular.)

Commenter Whitney: "I don't think that article supports its thesis--that Lady Gaga appropriated--very well. Its evidence for that point seems to consist of Grace Jones and M.I.A. both claiming that she copied them, with links to where they said it. But that seems to be it."

Commenter Snarky's Machine: "If you don't see it that's because you have your head shoved up your ass. You're saying you don't understand and therefore you're right."

Which...strikes me as what a friend of mine calls a purple hair problem.