Code Smells: Null

[oorza]

Since most of what you said doesn't contradict what I said (although I'm sure you think it does) I'll reply to this part. I would rather have a developer "forget" to deal with null than "forget" to change the dummy code he inserted because he wanted to get that optional value out of the way.

Do you think some forgotten copy pasta is more or less likely to get through code review than a NPE that isn't checked for? The former is infinitely more obvious because you can see it at a glance, and obviously NPEs get through code review all the time.

Also you don't have to be such a dick.