The premise that HN is not monetizing is implicit in the question. Because it is part of Ycombinator, that implicit premise may not be sound.
Right back at 'cha. How do you believe HN is being monetized?
How is a YCombinator batch monetized?
Please don't answer a question with a question. I'm not the one implying anything. If you're not willing to be explicit, please don't imply or insinuate anything.
Why wouldn't the Socratic method be appropriate here?
Because I'm not the one making a claim or implication, nor interested in participating in your speculation. At this point your contributions to this thread are indistinguishable from trolling, so I'll take my leave.
They would do what reddit does, and let people pay to put their links on the frontpage. Reddit calls them "promoted posts".