Indeed. Having been pretty heavily involved in 2 "filters" (digg as an insider, yc as a well-ranked participant) - the fundamental problem is that the filters trend towards complete control of the charismatic individual behind the site, while presenting a facade of "user democracy." Creeping moderation in the service of reducing spam is the essential mechanism. Eventually the only effective spam left is "suck up to the person in charge."

Tragically, I can only upvote you once. That's an awesomely insightful joke.