Unfortunately, yup are right about this. However, what I am trying to get at is the value of karma over time. When HN had 50 members, it was much harder to earn

Unfortunately, yup are right about this. However, what I am trying to get at is the value of karma over time. When HN had 50 members, it was much harder to earn 100 karma than it would be today when it has thousands of users. Just like with money as it becomes easier to acquire something it has less value. However your point is all too valid sadly - that because karma is so easily games and has always been - there may be little point to asking such questions.