Make something as simple as it needs to be, but no simpler. Most designers I see these days seem to forget that last bit.
In this specific example the whole purpose of the request system is to vote and secondarily get other people to vote with you. The new design eliminated almost everything that made the old one useful. It isn't simpler, it's simplistic.
People are copying the pointless "elegant simplicity" signalling of the new Apple Macbook. I think this is probably one of the best filters you can find, if you are perceptive enough to be able to use it: See whether or not someone prioritizes signalling over actual functionality/semantic content/logic. Observe how often this happens. Compare the effort that goes into signalling versus more substantive observation and analysis.
If someone isn't self aware of their signalling, and hasn't differentiated that concept from actual value/competence, quietly disengage.
My reaction was Nope, roll back to the previous version.
The new interface feels very unconventional, in fact. It may become convenient once you've learned what everything means, but until then you'd feel puzzled.
~~ Of course, I could not try to work with the old site, but the old screenshots looked more informative than the new ones. Not surprised at all by the results.
It's hard to imagine something simpler. HN even maintains a good information density.