This is another example where HN needs tags.

The original humorous comment could have been tagged "humor" and the parent reply could have been tagged "meta", and an HN reader could have their client filter posts based on their preferences: if they want to see humor or meta posts, they could have them -- if they don't they won't and their feed will be leaner and less annoying to them, and there'll be less need to downvote "off-topic" posts.

Then everyone would be happy.

I really like this idea.

[meta], [general-agreement], [non-contributing]

Until people spam the non-contributing tag on posts they don't like in an attempt to silence them, and companies abuse it to try and cover up posts that badmouth them, giving mods a constant headache.

[non-contributing]