some cultures were simply better than others. This was not a subjective value judgment, merely an observation that some cultures thrived and expanded while others failed.

This is 90% of Jared Taylor's argument. The other 10% is genetic, but he wouldn't be any more popular if he just focused on culture. I'd wager Neal Stephenson doesn't like Jared Taylor.

People like to think they believe "some cultures are simply better" right up to the point where you start talking how you might preserve that "superior" culture from the negative influences of "inferior" cultures. Then the accusations of being the Mustache Man start to fly.