Exactly right: we hate the NASCAR array of buttons that is publisher-centric, rather than user-centric. I wrote about this a few days ago on the Persona blog:
http://identity.mozilla.com/post/45842909320/users-dont-like...
http://identity.mozilla.com/post/45842909320/users-dont-like...
You asked a good question. HN's not very good at self-regulating. Negativity is regarded negatively in some bizarre self-perpetuation cycle.