His assessment is not ignorant. I'm not ignorant (as in uninformed). I'm quite familiar with both genres of the sport. Riding fixed freestyle is not entirely different. In fact, there are much, much more similarities than differences. Actually, the only significant difference between a state-of-the-art (meaning the most modern) fixed freestyle bike and a 24" BMX cruiser is the fixed rear wheel and the toe straps.

Things that are different:
- Rear hub
- Toe straps

Things that are similar, but different:
- Wheel diameter
- Forks
- Frame dimensions

Things that are identical:
- frame materials
- cranks
- pedals
- stem
- bars
- saddles
- pegs
- front hub
- tire thread
- chain rings
- chains
- grips
- seatposts
- tricks

Every trick that is being done on a fixed gear bike has been done on a BMX...20+ years ago. I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers here. Just stating the facts.