I disagree. Frequently the articles which don't have any comments are the ones that either only apply to a niche field or that don't have any particular stance. The only example currently on the front page is something about pubsubhubbub (something I've never heard of, and thus less likely to click on and read), and going to the article it seems to be rather short and a gripe about it not working.
That is not what I would call "thought-provoking" its a post of limited scope which, while it may be interesting to someone who knows about the topic, does not leave much to be discussed.
It is the discussions that bring me to HN and keep me coming back. I frequently don't even read the articles, because I find the commenters here are of a much closer mind-set to myself, and often know as much or more about the subject than the blogger making the post. A heavily commented article is one I am most likely to read, because it means there is likely something I can add to the conversation.
That is not what I would call "thought-provoking" its a post of limited scope which, while it may be interesting to someone who knows about the topic, does not leave much to be discussed.
It is the discussions that bring me to HN and keep me coming back. I frequently don't even read the articles, because I find the commenters here are of a much closer mind-set to myself, and often know as much or more about the subject than the blogger making the post. A heavily commented article is one I am most likely to read, because it means there is likely something I can add to the conversation.