Do you mean the official Launch HNs for YC startups? They are indeed a special case, but not in the sense you describe. They don't get to happen multiple times in a year. In fact, each YC startup only ever gets one in its entire lifetime.*

Launch HNs do get special treatment in that we place them on HN's front page. This is one of three things that HN gives back to YC in exchange for funding it—those things are all clearly listed at https://news.ycombinator.com/newsfaq.html#yc.

Btw, don't be sorry! We want everyone to know how this stuff works, and we want it to be clear what the principles are (and that there are principles). Other than the three things I just mentioned, YC startups don't get preferential treatment on HN. They have to struggle for attention just like everyone else, and with the exception of a few community darlings, they find it just as tough going as everyone else, and aren't particularly happy about it.

* although I think I'm going to make an exception next week for a startup that did the very first Launch HN 5 years ago and is still kicking.

I completely get Launch HN part - that was not I intended. I've seen companies not 'launch' but incrementally present their releases from what they've built quarter by quarter with YC badge in the title of the post or in the guise of launch week. And have always wondered why are those incremental releases allowed to be discussed so successfully ? I would say YC badge shouldn't be allowed in first place in any post other than Launch/Job. Believe me these companies have become disproportionately successful from their peers although they lack substance within. As mentioned I do not want to name names.

Ah ok - sorry for misreading you! I'd have to see specific links to be able to say what happened. In principle there shouldn't be any difference between YC and non-YC companies/projects when it comes to this.