How is it that big negative news about Tesla gets monstrous engagement and positive news is met with disinterest? I think there is probably another emotion going through the heads of those who love to slam Tesla.

I think you're correct, though if so the disinterest is shocking. This is one of the most significant events in the tech world in quite some time.

Since lately anything mentioning Elon devolves into a flame war, I wonder if there's some downweighting happening. I would guess not, but it is surprising. It does seem strange to have a story with 27 upvotes that is "an hour ago" that isn't on the front page.