Heavily downvoted comments will be lighter grey. But text posts are always that same light gray.

I don't know why. It's awful.

I've always been under the impression that the poor contrast is to discourage text posts. Can't remember whether I've read that somewhere or it's just my own assumption.

That’s… evil, frankly. If you don’t want them, don’t allow them. Don’t cause discomfort for thousands.

Even if it is, it is not an accessible solution.

Edit: except it can’t be, since HN doesn’t actually allow downvotes on posts, only comments.

It's very ableist and dang doesn't suffer from old people eyes, yet.

It's on all text posts. Look at the "Ask HN: Who's Hiring/ Who wants to be Hired" posts.