I am familiar with the process which will increase ridability where the surface asphalt is cracked from weathering. The subgrade / base course has to be adequate and stable for this to be cost effective. We do not do much of this in Texas because adding another surface course is usually just as economical.
BTW! Too frequently on FR, someone asks a legitimate question and all that result are irrelevant rants
I think what you described is what they are doing. A machine that covers one lane functions essentially as a downward aimed flamethrower and the surface is then smoothed out. Not sure how this will work out up here though. I am anticipating the surface reverting to its previous quality within a year.
As far as the remarks are concerned, I don't really care. Sometimes it's good to inject a little levity into the joint.