I respectfully disagree that they are "basically just spam" but yet I agree with a few other points you make. No, it isn't sustainable but yes it makes HN a more interesting place. I'd far rather see those types of posts than some of the things that I'm sure you think are "more interesting". And I don't say that in a mean-spirited way; what I mean is that we all have different interests and just b/c you (or 400 others like you) don't like it isn't a sufficient reason to kill it/them.