This is a valid complaint for non-technical users, but I don't understand why HN users don't customize reddit to suit their tastes instead of complaining. Signing up doesn't even require an email. Is there a better alternative? It's arguably the best feature that reddit brings. Don't like a sub-reddit? Remove it and add something else. You can even create your own and moderate to your taste. You can even grab someone else's reddit customization under multi-reddits. Here are some examples:

https://www.reddit.com/user/A_UPRIGHT_BASS/m/uplifting/

https://www.reddit.com/user/DrPropulsion/m/science/

https://www.reddit.com/user/bodaciousbecca/m/motivation/