[klunger]

Many good reasons are already mentioned, but I also think a big one is because dang is here full time. This is job and he does it well.

Almost all other internet communities have mods that just do it on a volunteer basis. If those communities are big enough to be vibrant, that also means that a couple volunteer mods can't cut it. Luckily YC has the budget for keeping dang around. I would bet this place would be like most other poorly moderated communities without him.