Not only that, they should recognize that yes one use pattern of reddit was to get the word out of things you think other people ought to here. This attracts users that have something to say; and that attracts users who want something to read/hear etc...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3j_RHkqJc
This too can drive growth. If the community gets the impression that they don't drive the content then reddit loses all the magic.
The truth is, the users haven't driven the content of the front-page since the fall of /r/reddit.com following Occupy Wall Street.