The point of the hints is not to kick yourselves, but to try and complete the challenge before all hints are revealed. So give it a shot now! You can still say you did it without being (entirely) spoonfed. 

Don

     File: Try Harder
     User: Easy for you to say.
     File: No need to get snippy. I'm just data.
     User: Sorry. Maybe I should get to know you better.



Don

Did the hint help you get past it?

Don

I'm pretty sure I've found what I need to move on....but the problem is I don't know what to do with it.....

Unfortunately, I've had the puzzle piece since before the contest ended...I just can't figure out what it is used for...

What is defined as data about data? How do you find it?

Don

That's a good one....anyway....the outcome of your hint is exactly what I've had for roughly 2 weeks trying to figure out what to do with....

It's no more precise, actually.  And if you think about my hint, it'd have helped on more than just this clue.  Works wonders for multiple pieces...

Edit- if you ever do a lot of forensics, you'll understand the method to my madness, and the reason you might consider going to it more quickly, down the road, especially when analyzing multiple files.  ;-)

Further... Sorry to ramble.  Some of the data we're referring to was NOT as obvious, using methods which I'm pretty sure you refer to, as it depends on the basics of your OS and default tools.  To be frank, I did try the 'other' methods, as well, in the event I missed something, but mine was faster, and I could automate multiple task quickly with it.  While it meant 'glancing over' the output, it was worth it to find multiple pieces of info for verification...

Don