I was just thinking the same thing. Keeping the design minimalist and 'blingless' keeps HN from suffering a MySpace-like decline. People here are attracted to the content, not the eye candy (there is none).

I recall a game developer saying that badges for achievement (Xbox Live! etc) are a sign that games are becoming less imaginative and less fun, and sticking badges in there is a way of getting the users to keep playing. Badge for reaching 100% completion in GTA 4? Screw that. My time is too precious.