Comments are usually written off the cuff, and take place within the context given by the story. Stories are usually more considered (yes, I know people link t

Comments are usually written off the cuff, and take place within the context given by the story. Stories are usually more considered (yes, I know people link to tweets sometimes, personally I find that tiresome). They make their own context and are often (mostly?) written by people who haven't heard of HN. Also, I think you misunderstand my usage of a "ranking system" --- it includes not only the method of crunching the numbers, but also the way the votes are solicited.