Comment by pwg

> Yet I notice some users clearly dig into it, upvote good posts, and bring hidden gems to the front page.

That is how almost all of the front page items get to the front page to begin with.

> just looking for things you personally enjoy?

Mostly, plus the new feed has more variety (and more noise too) than the front page. So you'll find items you enjoy but that don't actually ever garner enough upvotes to make it to the front page.