Third option: copy the link, go to archive.ph, and paste it.

Most of the time it's already been archived, but if not, they usually do it.

I make a habit of posting an archive/non-paid link if I post a link to such a site. If there is no such link available I skip it. Sure, takes the fun out of posting an otherwise fun headline but mere headlines aren't sufficient for a site with "news" in it's name.

(Long way of saying I agree with you.)

The discussion has been had multiple times and decision was that paywall content is fine. See "Are paywalls ok?" in the FAQ https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html

Okay, how about automatically marking posts that link to paid content so we can stop bothering about them?