I'd argue its current success is because there's no site quite like it in design. We used to have digg and reddit, until digg redesigned and users jumped ship

I'd argue its current success is because there's no site quite like it in design. We used to have digg and reddit, until digg redesigned and users jumped ship to 'an alternative'. Now, there really isn't a good alternative. The only one I even know of is voat, which seems to be a somehow worse clone, filled with the hate of those banned from more traditional places. And that's failing, too. I agree with parent comment, a reddit like idea with a tech refresh, and less toxic leadership, would be successful. But as acknowledged, it would take time to grow its user base.