Yes, but the only feedback provided was that my argument was a straw-man. I.e. they disagreed with the point I was trying to make. And as far as I understand, the social contract on Hacker News implies that you don't down vote if you disagree, only if the comment is spam or trolling, etc.
Although I suppose I'm on the verge of becoming somewhat of a troll right now.
(...) argument was a straw-man. I.e. they disagreed with the point I was trying to make.
Pointing out that your argument is a straw-man is not a disagreement. It's saying that you are misrepresenting the article's position, and that's an objectively bad post.
Also, I'm not sure if downvoting when disagreeing is discouraged. Spam should be marked by flagging, not downvoting.
Although I suppose I'm on the verge of becoming somewhat of a troll right now.