I think you went too far. You're correct that reddit didn't/doesn't need any form of recommendation engine for individual items -- that's what voting + subredd

I think you went too far. You're correct that reddit didn't/doesn't need any form of recommendation engine for individual items -- that's what voting + subreddits are -- it most definitely did (and still does) need something for recommending subreddits. This is a problem they should have been addressing from day 1, it isn't make or break but it takes the site way beyond its current usefulness to hardcore users.