One thing I really like about websites like that (and HN for example) is that zooming just works. If you zoom, you're left with what looks like a modern blog. I have HN on 125% zoom all the time and I often forget about it. The website also perfectly supports bookmarklets to change the CSS. This is empowering the user to make the website how they want. I'd prefer that over what a designer thought would be the best for me.