On some level, certain things could be automated but:

1. It definitely violates Google's TOS: https://developers.google.com/maps/terms

2. Also, in my opinion is contrary to the spirit of the OSM community

A more powerful approach would be providing resources and tools for teachers and students to map their communities and places around the world. The map data becomes more robust, and students get a great opportunity to learn about new places and geography.

How about showing the equivalent Google map when editing an OSM map?

Nope. That'd be an invitation to copy Google's copyrighted data, which defeats the whole point of OSM.

Why so many downvotes? Can't ask legitimate questions on HN anymore?

Agreed - we really should encourage contributions to the discussions, rather than "i disagree points".

(I cannot downvote, all I see is the comment in a lighter shade of grey. If I could, would I be able to see the number of downvotes?)

> If I could, would I be able to see the number of downvotes?

The only person who can see number of upvotes/downvotes is the person who made the comment. I am pretty sure this is to prevent making leaderboards out of trolling, but I could be wrong.

Doesn't appear downvoted to me.

It was -5 but now it's +1.