I believe there is a small but persistent contingent who would very much like HN to care about cryptocurrency, because HN is very influential among developers and would lend them much-needed credibility. They may or may not be co-ordinating but I don't think that would be necessary to get this onto the front page.

What I have noticed is, when crypto has one of its periodic disasters (e.g. collapse of FTX) the comments are generally highly sceptical of the technology, in keeping with the general tone of HN. But occasionally 'good news' articles like this one get boosted and then the top comments are of notably different tone. For example, comments praising Vitalik, a presumed billionaire with unknown motives, dubious achievements and a unspeakably enormous environmental toll against his name, would be very unusual in any other thread.