I think there might be a mixup about how it might appear that I'm talking about astroturfing. I'm referencing a situation where one or more marketing teams have leveraged their large employee and contractor network to engage positively with Microsoft's listed products and services on HN. More of a mobilize from within as opposed to a secret or stealthy program to create false accounts.

Quick edit: I definitely appreciate the "red car effect" you are referencing.