[lnanek2]

There have been studies showing pictures with articles increase interest. Even GMail and Google search have been moving that direction. GMail on Android now has pictures next to the emails. Google search now checks the site author information and shows pictures. So USV is inline with modern best practices, HN isn't on this. You have good ideals wanting no pictures and to decide everything on text, but if your ideals make the site only good for techies, it isn't a good change for getting users and interest and contributors in general.