They had those affiliate links for a few years to measure the impact.
So if it was $20,000 / month in 2007 and then it was $40,000 / month in 2009, they can estimate the benefit of the link based on traffic to that page.

Matt claiming that he is the one responsible for what goes on that page, is basically an open invitation to be “friends” with him.

Oh well. Nothing new 🙂