That makes sense, and also matches my prior intuitions as to what it might be. Thank you.

I think part of the problem is that I was operating on a mindset of a smaller / lower traffic group where this kind of promotion is has a relatively minor effect and less power to annoy others (as opposed to drawing them into a conversation that they might actually like).

In a larger userbase like we're currently seeing for Discussion, ensuring fun for all participants is more dependent on these kinds of self-filtering rules/norms being followed more strictly. I've commented in open thread expressing a desire for more subreddits, and will be more careful in Discussion.