This is the point I disagree most in your list of propositions. I remember when i first signed up, i actually posted links BEFORE commenting, but the comments and reactions to what I posted led me to stay. Many users rarely or even never comment, but post great links. So if i'm a new user and REALLY want to post something, I'll probably type out 10 low quality comments just to be able to post... Which will actually decrease the overall quality of Hubski since the main appeal are the thoughtful comments. I can't say I can get 100% behind any idea (what do you mean by making "self-posts"? What will that actually change?) But the idea of checking out someone's profile without leaving the conversation is worth discussing. Maybe make it open in a new tab when somebody clicks on a username?I think it'd be great if new users couldn't submit a new post until they've commented 10 (or 25 or some other amount) of times