I think they delete data all the time. But I think there are just a small number of situations where it happens.
For example, someone on HN probably deletes a comment every few seconds. The site is therefore deleting data constantly. But all that only counts as one single situation.
Is there any other situation where an HN non-admin ever deletes data?
That's a good point; I don't think I can delete my submissions or my account on here, but even then 3 total use cases revolving around delete isn't exactly a huge number.
Removing credit cards, as well.
I dunno, do you really think it's rare for startups to be deleting data?