Advice (take it or leave it): I think the item titles should be real hyperlinks (not js actions), so when right clicking the user gets the option to open in new tab.
I usually open links in new tabs while browsing a site. Especially an aggregator site like HN, reddit or gitnews. I always use the mouse wheel to open them. When a site doesn't allow that I already feel a lot less inclined to use it.
Same (except I often use shift+f in Pentadactyl or three fingers on trackpads, and middle click emulation when pressing both buttons is an option on two-button rats).