No, it’s just nice to know what the date is for context. I don’t think it’s a criticism.

Speaking only for my ageing self, whose recall benefits from such hints, it is a helpful tip that I've possibly/probably seen the material before. In that sense, it adds valuable context to the title string. To wit, compare these examples and examine your own reaction:

Transistor Breakthrough Astounds Researchers

Transistor Breakthrough Astounds Researchers (1962)

From the moderator:

> It's just the convention on HN to put the year in the title when it's an older story.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30400761