Ask HN: Why don't subreddits adopt peer review instead of relying on bans?
Determining which posts to allow wouldn't require the moderator(s) to have any qualifications.
But if the moderator reviewing of posts is poor, then redditors will just join other subreddits that have better reviewing.
The subreddit could even display a post acceptance rate, so you can quickly tell how selective it is.
Two words: echo chambers
Peer review is easily gamed in an anonymous environment.
Quality is not what they optimize for. Entertainment/Engagement/Novelty/Attention Capture is what is prioritized. Just like Insta or Youtube.
The thumbs up thumbs down is the peer review