HN could be compared to a single subreddit, not the whole reddit site. The comparison is unfair.

However, even if the comparison is unfair, I much prefer lurking in HN. The reason is the same that makes an average guy feel unrewarded: Top comments here are usually insightful, well thought, and sitting on real knowledge. It makes for a vastly better reading experience, at the cost of a poorer "interactive" experience. I don't mind and, in fact, appreciate it.