There's many awful things, but HN who's hiring isn't one of them IMO. Because HN has maintained an image of being for "smart in the know" people and discussions despite being huge, connections fostered here tend to start off with a stronger weight than completely cold interactions, there's some minor level of inherent trust there.

I can't remember the last time someone didn't reply to me from here, but then again I choose my applications very carefully. You also get to meet a truly diverse set of people and opportunities rather than "more of the same".