No, it was more calculated as a Goldilocks-type thing: not too big, not too small, just right. Too small and the voltage divider formed by it and the 1k resistor doesn't allow the gate voltage to be high enough. Too big and it isn't a good path for charge to drain. The value isn't particularly critical. I think for a 1k series resistor anything between 10k and 100k should work fine.
--
The Aussie Shield: breakout all 28 pins to quick-connect terminals