Honestly, I think this is too much work for what's usually an "edge-case". Everyday, we put up with the admins making arbitrary decisions on what flagged discussions get to stay and which get kicked (on top of the algorithm that filters stories). If we hated their decisions/tastemaking, we wouldn't be repeat visitors to HN. It's hard to imagine many situations in which they commemorate someone who a majority of the community aren't aware of.

And for the many people who will pass and not get the official acknowledgement? For anyone to whom being omitted is controversial, their life will have been rich enough that recognition via HN's status bar is likely of little concern to their legacy.