This is not what's happening. The UI may be a bit confusing. The verification to HN takes place w/o a password, but the site lets you create a separate passwo

This is not what's happening. The UI may be a bit confusing. The verification to HN takes place w/o a password, but the site lets you create a separate password to protect access to the messages (once you're verified). Quite a few have signed up so far...