First, we are an insignificant portion of the web, and it's okay to admit that.
Second, if HN were built upon outdated Web standards practically nobody else uses, I'm sure YCombinator could address the issue before the deadline (which would probably be at least a year or two out) to meet the needs of its community. Every plant needs nourishment to survive.
First, you're assuming that those portions of the Web won't evolve in order to survive. Second, you're ascribing a motive to Google that you assume (probably falsely) that they possess.
Second, if HN were built upon outdated Web standards practically nobody else uses, I'm sure YCombinator could address the issue before the deadline (which would probably be at least a year or two out) to meet the needs of its community. Every plant needs nourishment to survive.