As I already said, I am sorry if that sounded harsh, but my explanation is still valid. I was not sure about your seriousness simply because you ended with the question: 'unless being anti-trotsky = anti-communist?)'

I have had enough contact with 'Marxists' who will even repeat straight far-right propaganda if it is something against Trotsky, even spreading antisemitic lies. His Jewish heritage is one of the most popular attack points. I have a Russian book here, named 'Leaders and Tyrants' from the 90s, which loves to point out every time that he is Jewish.

Considering all this and how your question was formulated, it could have been a non-serious question. A person asking this non-seriously would gain nothing, but rather reveal their hatred against Trotsky, even if it is done in an anti-semitic manner.

especially someone who's been in the grad for way more than you ever have

I don't know what you have read or not, how far you are already. But if I were to assume that you are well-read in Marxist literature, then your question would have everything of what I have described above. With the people I deal with, such a scenario is very likely, even online. Such is also possible on Lemmygrad, of course.

But now I know that it doesn't apply to you. That's why I also wrote that I am sorry for the harshness due to the uncertainty regarding your seriousness.

I hope you understand now why I answered the way I did.

However, it wasn't my intention to offend you. I am sorry if I did. But my explanation is still valid; you can ignore the harshness, or I can rewrite it in a manner that is not harsh.

unlike you i'm not aware of every single little thing about soviet history and culture.

I am also not aware of everything. I am still learning. But it is not about soviet culture or history. If you are interested in soviet culture, I encourage you to take look on soviet films.