I'm with jcwren on this one, the frontpage doesn't seem very important. It's the first place I go, but usually just a pitstop before Seekers of Perl Wisdom and Newest Nodes.
Without wanting to turn the argument to ad hominem, I think you're losing out on a lot if you depend too much on the gates. (And you're not alone, it has been observed that many people do.)
Comment on Re: Posts, The Front Page and Temptations
I as well don't believe the front page is as important as it is thought to be by some.
I may be new to this site, but I can say that it is perceived to be a popularity contest. I'm quite offended by that as a member of this site. I believe we are all here for the same reason, the search of more knowledge of the thing that brings us all together. Not so important is the popularity of the posts. I'm not here to worry about weather or not I'm popular as a programmer, and or poster. No, I'm here to learn. The Voting/Experience system is just an added incentive to come back and learn more. Same with seeing my post on the front page.