Maybe HN needs an "if num_words > 3" before the "delete leading Why". Or maybe an "if char_count > CHAR_LIMIT" before the "delete leading Why".

Or just don't. What a near guaranteed way to mangle the meaning of a title.

90% of the time it works and you don’t notice the system because you only see the good result. This is the rare event when it breaks and you do notice.