Indeed, but then the URL doesn't change, so the page can't be emailed, tweeted, etc. The hash-bang allows you to change the url, use AJAX to change the content, and retain browser history.

The history API in HTML5 allows you to accomplish the same thing without the hash-bang, but browser support is limited. I favour using the history API for progressive enhancement and defaulting to traditional page requests.

+1 for history API.

It's unbelievably neat to transition between pages without ever redrawing the full screen. Pity there won't be any IE9 support.

Yes of course he did, however every design decision has trade-offs. Using click handlers has some costs and some benefits. Using URL fragments has costs and benefits.

I'm not disputing that the author has proposed a way forward or that the author's suggestions about the costs of using fragments are mistaken, I am only disputing the argument that there is no reason to use url fragments besides "coolness."