I don't see anybody in that story refusing to make a fashion statement, quite the opposite.

This is especially true for "nerd culture". Very few subcultures are less tolerant of people dressing differently.

> Very few subcultures are less tolerant of people dressing differently.

Are you saying nerds are intolerant, or did you mean few cultures are more tolerant?

That could logically only mean the latter.

It's less of a statement. I put no thought into what I wear. If that's making a statement, I think it's a weak one.

The statement is "my skills are more important than how I look".

No, it's "I am a member of your tribe".

ALL clothes send this message to someone.