Is this a new high, or a new low, in scientific naming of fungi?

Not so new. They have been naming stars in the sky for people (and probably more) for years.

Neither:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_unusual_biological_names

One of my brothers is a scientist. He has the most obtuse sense of humor. Of course they do and always have.
Scientists are people too.

My only objection is that it should look like a yellow kitchen sponge.

But this is no big deal. Our species classification system is kind of broken anyway. Some day, someone’s going to reinvent it.

:D I love it! Now we need a Patrick Star!

Let’s take up a collection and name a star Patrick!

Well it’s hard to get excited about sponges. If a crazy name will help then so be it.

A sense of humor helps to break the monotony of the day. Then again, what scientists find funny probably won’t even tickle the funny bone for the general population!!!

^^ Yes, I suspect there’s a lot of inside jokes and, “You had to be there”!