They're just pandering to their reader demographics like most publications (have to) do, and sadly HN's demographic has shifted to overlap with that demographic the last few years. It's the circle of life, internet forum edition :) (plus this place is full of people with educational angst who try to make up for their insecurities by being very vocal about their opposition to formal education). Meh, plus que ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.