The HN mod should penalize those who says "this is cute" type of shit as much as they penalize heavy trolling. Actually "cute" is much worse than straightforward trolling, it's passive aggressive in the most pathetic way.
If you want to express sincere compliment, there are many many words that are way better. "cute" is both literally and figuratively offensive. Which adult would like to be called "cute" (unless it's two sexually attracted people talking about each other) even if it was in a positive manner?