> They aren't great most of the times but going out of your way to discuss the use of the image in a post (here in HN for example) is high-level pedantry.

They're garbage.

> The (go to) alternative for the authors would be a post without images which is by no means any better.

It would be far, far better for authors to post without images.

I mean, FFS, if you've got something good and relevant, sure use a "hero" image, but if you're going to use dreck, please don't bother.