In theory, it sounds like a cool idea but I think it will be an overkill and of not much use. Not to mention that now everyone will know who is voting on what.

In theory, it sounds like a cool idea but I think it will be an overkill and of not much use. Not to mention that now everyone will know who is voting on what. That could start other flame wars besides the point of HN. From what I have seen being on HN, the front page is usually of good quality and i m sure the voting ring detection mechanism is already decent.