You make some good points, but I think this is a clash of cultures than intentions. The word "idiot", to me, isn't as harsh as it seems to be to you, and I'm using it in a very subject specific sense. If you date the wrong girl for a few years and ignore her bad traits, you might later say you "were a fool" for loving her while not extending that assertion to your entire life. I'm saying I was an idiot at business, though not at the technology or dealing with the customers.
Further, though, I'm English, and this sort of self deprecating speech is characteristically European. Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tall_poppy_syndrome for more info. It's mostly not "the done thing" to boast about minor achievements. Derek Sivers (of CDBaby and now a multi millionaire) approached the overall topic well: http://sivers.org/below-average
Anyway, I totally get where you're coming from, but I also think you may have read too much into a little half-hearted humility.
No, don't worry about that. If seeing a surprising, alternative viewpoint I can learn from means reading some blunt language, it's worth it.
I don't think I'd write the post any differently despite learning something about your perspective, but.. who knows, it might make me think twice at some point in the future :-)
Further, though, I'm English, and this sort of self deprecating speech is characteristically European. Read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tall_poppy_syndrome for more info. It's mostly not "the done thing" to boast about minor achievements. Derek Sivers (of CDBaby and now a multi millionaire) approached the overall topic well: http://sivers.org/below-average
Anyway, I totally get where you're coming from, but I also think you may have read too much into a little half-hearted humility.
Update: I've just found an article that scientifically supports your hunch: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100729122330.ht...