We wouldn't have to ask if you had a public mod log (and banned sites list etc) and a public explanation of the algos that power HN.
Your comment reminds me of hotels - "X is available, just ask". A scheme clearly designed to reduce usage of X. I'm guessing the current audience is quite diverse, as most engineers would see through that kind of BS in about 0.2ms.
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23837866
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23807944
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23286685
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23227833
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=23127622
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22939878
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22711604
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22648990
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22547697
Imagine creating such a log system in a company and expecting your colleagues to find such logs in such a manner. I'd move to get you fired.
The intention of all of those moderation comments, search links, etc., is to provide helpful information to people in specific contexts. Nobody's pretending that it's a global documentation system; no one's "cheating" or trying to fool anyone or trick people out of what is rightfully theirs. We're simply trying to answer people's questions and satisfy their curiosity while also staying focused on the overall purpose of the site.