Should HN encourage posting open alternative sources? No, both as a matter of policy and logistics. You want them to post a sticky "Free sources encouraged" up top?
Should mods replace paywalled links? No. I'm sure HN's filter bots can reliably detect paywall links, but removing them also removes the discussion. Presumably some readers do have access, and so the forum serves that minority. People who would accuse HN of advertising for these pay sites can suck it.
Should mods replace paywalled links? No. I'm sure HN's filter bots can reliably detect paywall links, but removing them also removes the discussion. Presumably some readers do have access, and so the forum serves that minority. People who would accuse HN of advertising for these pay sites can suck it.