HN has reached critical mass. No need to worry about a quick death anymore. Add friction to keep the randoms out and to help make those that stay feel like they

HN has reached critical mass. No need to worry about a quick death anymore. Add friction to keep the randoms out and to help make those that stay feel like they are part of an exclusive club. Friction = cost. Some micro payment, say .99/yr, that adds enough friction to slow the adoption by non-core types. Those that value this exclusive "club," like myself, would gladly render unto Caesar.