I don't think it reaches the quality of this submission - i am not enough of a visual designer for that - and maybe it is also not what you search for, but you could give it a try. I tried to maintain a bit of what defines the original design, like the orange header, maybe it is that what you are missing.
Interesting. I've installed it and will try living with it for a time to see which I prefer. Sadly, I can only install it on two of my five systems, but that will give me a chance to switch between them and compare.
Quick feedback, I don't like the white text in the top bar, and you seem to have shrunk the width. I do like the different font, and am undecided about the blue links.
Always happy to hear someone really trying it. So thanks. It took some time getting used to even for me. If you still have feedback after some time, especially if it's the same, please consider sending me a mail or commenting on the design-page. I promise I'll look into it.
I tried an approach here: http://userstyles.org/styles/71445/better-hacker-news-design
I don't think it reaches the quality of this submission - i am not enough of a visual designer for that - and maybe it is also not what you search for, but you could give it a try. I tried to maintain a bit of what defines the original design, like the orange header, maybe it is that what you are missing.