The (potential) harm is giving the impression of “you’re doing it wrong.” If someone says “I’m trying to do X,” and the responses are all “here’s how to do Y” or “instead, try Z,” while ignoring “X.” I had just a bit of that impression here.
But in general, I agree it’s fine to mention alternatives, as long as they’re clearly mentioned as alternatives, not dismissing what the OP actually wants.
Fair enough - I was putting myself into the mindset of wanting to use VS code and everyone telling me “just use vim” 
. I suppose y’all are a different breed.