"Let's not forget that HN is largely driven by its readers." I would add that HN is also driven by the admins. The admins can decide what gets on the front pag

"Let's not forget that HN is largely driven by its readers." I would add that HN is also driven by the admins. The admins can decide what gets on the front page and what stays there. They are the gatekeeper to being able to gain votes to stay on that page (unless an admin decides to remove something?).