I read his whole (long) comment and don't think that's what he's saying. He was wondering if you are being affected by the "show less like this" button and said he doesn't know the answer to that.

Don't get me wrong -- Tony has said stuff that doesn't bear out in fact. He said if writers aren't getting paid what they're worth it's because there isn't an audience for their work. Which is untrue, because my views have held steady but my pay has dropped 50%. I blame the affiliate program, not lack of audience.

He could be wrong about why your views are down, but I don't think he's questioning your cred. I think he's shuffling the blame onto your readers to get it off Medium's shoulders.