There are some subreddits which are more seperate from the mod team (How much does it really matter who runs r/aww? It can run on inertia for a very long time, for sure), and where a very small contributing group can provide content to a much wider and more casual reading group.

But then there's some where the mods and other highly active users are a more active part in making it what it is. Think subs with weekly book clubs, or game challenges, or what not organised by the mods. Is Reddit going to get staff for all these niches to deliver the same level of experience? Probably not.