This is very much more about writing a good hook. For example, I asked about small shops, but didn't use the right language it seems. It was ignored: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10314142

In contrast, this got 390 upvotes and made the front page: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=12065355

I have gotten articles onto the front page. My experience with that suggests it has little or nothing to do with when you post. It is mostly about posting something good.