I actually think that in some ways having a sucky post on the homepage can be a good thing. For a newer developer reading the comments of their peers and heroes smack down a turd like the "real programmers" post is a good thing.

If a terrible idea/post/rant makes it on to the frontpage there are obviously some people that need the wisdom of this crowd to set them straight.

I love that HN is about positive energy. We don't downmod we explain why something shouldn't be upmodded any more.