Our accounts are of a similar age (and probably like you, I read passively before ever even creating an account) and we've commented a similar number of times.

Our accounts are of a similar age (and probably like you, I read passively before ever even creating an account) and we've commented a similar number of times. Like others, I've also participated in mini-threads that add detail, but occur after the heated discussion has died down (here's a recent example: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7295384 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=7295384). I almost never get to HN during peak hours, so it's my main form of interaction. But I don't feel disincentivized to comment - if anything I may try to find ways to contribute more valuable comments. I'd wager that the chances of a good comment being read will be higher, not lower. And either way, c'est la vie. HN is provided for free, and it's tremendous. It'll be a learning experience to observe the experiment.