[sorbus]

It would be really irritating for many people; that behavior is best left to the user and the browser (most mice have middle-click which opens a link in a new tab, and - on my laptop, at least - tapping with two fingers opens a link in a new tab. Browsers can also be configured to open off-site links in new tabs).

[aleger]

I just find it irritating when I forget to ctrl-click and having to refresh the HN page. Posted stories are not necessarily in same order. Maybe it's just me :/

[bmelton]

That's just you. I perhaps find it equally irritating when I click a link and it goes to a new tab.

If I wanted it to go to a new tab, I'd have CTRL+clicked.

*Edit -- "That's just you" is definitely too harsh a statement, as I'm sure there are a ton of people that agree with you -- That said, I don't see a compelling reason to futz around with default browser behavior unnecessarily, and I'd wager that doing so is considered bad UI.