For this reason, I've found it's very important to be careful not to assume that the world is doing sensible things or giving me all the information.
Yeah, this is good advice in general, and it's definitely what I was doing wrong this time.
Thanks for taking a moment to let me know that my comment is appreciated and that this information makes a difference for you. I find that, like Luke says in The Power of Reinforcement, knowing that a behavior of mine has made a difference and is wanted "increases the probability that the behavior will occur again".
I think LessWrong could really use more positive reinforcement, so I hereby positively reinforce you for showing the humility to positively reinforce.
P/S/A: There are single sentences which can create life-changing amounts of difference.