I regularly see HN posts get downvoted simply for being negative, regardless of the topic. In this case, I think the criticism is both justified and constructive. And I see you agree. :)
> I didn't even finish the first page, let alone put up with such a design as my daily news reading.
I think it's an age thing. There's a certain age at which adorning oneself in dark colors makes one cool, above it all. And designing one's pages according to accepted norms makes one a sell-out. I would be more certain about this were it not for the fact that I am so old that, not only was there no Internet when I was young, there wasn't even FM radio. :)
(1) <cost> The "brain damage factor" is relevant tradeoff to consider, if and when present;
(2) <information efficiency> or lack thereof is a nother key determinant of success; and
(3) <threshold competence> failing to understand (1) & (2) damages credibility ever-so-slightly.
Let us not forget the subject: competition, criteria, and selection of optimal media platforms.
Finally, this article // is a bit // <Exit through the Gift Shop> // with its finish.