I think most people separate Svbtle from Dustin, although I don't think Dustin necessary is advocating for this separation himself. You can see this in the comments. When people are being critical, it generally leans towards Dustin and not the product. When people are boasting Svtble, they rarely mention Dustin. There's a reason for that.
It was clear to most that Dustin was expecting adoration and when that didn't happen, the conversation changed.
I don't know how many tweets, posts and "thoughts" I read where Dustin was "abandoning HN" or laying claim to "the downfall of HN"[2], only to end up back here posting some other ego-laden[3] dribble.
"You're welcome", I believe is what used to be on the footer of Svtble. Really gets me thinking about how modest he is.
[1] http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=3749035