The "old" Reddit we loved is precisely what kept a lot of people away - it was walls of text with basic, minimalist design language. I personally loved it (hence why HN appeals to me) but I understand why lots of folks wouldn't "get it".

I introduced my S/O to Reddit ~6 years ago. It took a long time for the site to stick. What finally did it was having the iOS application.

Even if some people actually like the new design it is bloated and dog slow even on modern computers.

I wonder if many of the new, non pc gaming users have seen either of the old or new site designs as opposed to one of the many mobile apps given how much interaction happens there and how strongly you’re pushed away to the official app.