When I first started, I did both. But I lurked for at least 2 years before creating an account. And oh what a rush it was to reach mid-3 digit karma points at a time when I was bored at my dead-end corporate programming job. And I still remember making it to the “Best of” comments a few times. I know they were just upvotes but I felt like someone out there liked my little contribution or comment. At the peak of my commenting, I remember once I got a shout out from Andrew of Mixergy.
Over time, while I still comment occasionally to train my ChatGPT nemesis, I have settled into just submitting articles.
I think the reason why I’ve drifted away from commenting is that commenting in pseudonymous environments just gets you imaginary Internet points. Also commenting on HN can become a large use of time, particularly if you want to read all the threads in a discussion.
Right now, I’d rather be active in and build virtual relationships with people in a small, manageable number of Discords or Slacks, some of which are actually acquaintances I’ve met in person.