I like trying a variety of things. Stacker News has many appealing traits, after all. 

I'd like to see some data to validate this. For now, we can only make assumptions

Design_r

SN media coverage: in a nutshell, what's the message we send out?

I’m conflicted on this point. The rewards system, and broader incentive structure, attracts both the right and wrong kinds of people (and probably turns off both the right and wrong kinds of people). 

I know I was excited about it for the same reasons as k00b. Costly posts reduce noise and properly designed rewards encourage pro social behavior. 

I doubt I would have checked SN out if the ad hadn’t emphasized how sats are built into it. 