Your comment actually did make me think of a possible improvement that doesn't handicap anyone.

All zaps in the first 10 minutes could count the same as the earliest zaps. That removes whatever disproportionate advantage people are taking advantage of and gives everyone enough time to read the post.

Undisciplined

I dont think it matters how late the article comes out for the people that actually use SN for its purpose. 
Even having an article come out 10 mins late, I dont think would hurt those people because they will still zap and offer quality comments. 