a) If you're familiar with them, you probably already know what to expect
b) If you don't like them, you don't want to see them
c) If you like them, you've already read it, and
d) If they've been on a lot recently, you can't use # of comments as a judge of quality - they might just be complaints about "Everything Seth Godin says is common sense" or "Jeff Atwood couldn't code his way out of a paper bag", and those are no fun to read.
In my case, it's probably mostly d). I don't think I hold HN responsible for bringing me links I've never seen before or must like. But I really do come here for great discussion and insights (like yours right here!), in the comments section.
I'm totally willing to see negative comments, but they really have to bring something to the party. The examples you gave are exactly the kind of thing that would bum me out after a visit here.
a) If you're familiar with them, you probably already know what to expect
b) If you don't like them, you don't want to see them
c) If you like them, you've already read it, and
d) If they've been on a lot recently, you can't use # of comments as a judge of quality - they might just be complaints about "Everything Seth Godin says is common sense" or "Jeff Atwood couldn't code his way out of a paper bag", and those are no fun to read.