No, what I'm saying is that a popular source like techcrunch has a much easier time making it to the front page, no matter the quality of content.

Mostly due to the simple fact, that a lot more people read that source. By making popular sources, require more upvotes, it would make the front page more merit based.

Let's face it, making the front page is pretty easy right now, I've had stories I submitted hit frontpage with 2 upvotes. By making big sites like techcrunch require something like 10 upvotes instead, it would at least eliminate most of the fluff pieces.