I don't think it's possible to make a system that is completely resistant to human error. Let me use the the idea of socialized health care as an example: it's

I don't think it's possible to make a system that is completely resistant to human error. Let me use the the idea of socialized health care as an example: it's proponents claim that the current system fails because of corrupt, unfair people, and it's opponents claim that the proposed system would fail because of selfish, lazy people. In neither case do people talk about inherent successes or failures of either system - the problem lies with the people using it. So to apply this to HN: You can't make an online community or system that will be a success with every user. If you get enough people to do certain things, you can ruin the community. PG implements a system as best he can, but there will always be a time when he has to tell people "this is not the site for you" if he wants it to go a certain direction.