I found that simply removing 'reddit.com' from 'my reddits' made my front page considerably more valuable.
I do read the comments, as they are generally entertaining. If HN is a student lounge outside the computer lab, Reddit is the local pub ... right before closing time. Two environments that I find valuable :).
I read a lot of the same subreddits, and I think you're missing out by not reading the comments. Sure there can be a lot of noise, but with a little practice you can skim to the gems quite easily.
browsers, business, c_language, C_Programming, cogsci, compsci, computergraphics, computers, ComputerSecurity, economy, energy, erlang, Flash_Programming, functional, functionallang, geek, hacking, haskell, javascript, lectures, linux, lisp, math, operabrowser, plt, programming, ProgrammingLanguages, Python, robotics, ruby, scheme, science, software, softwaredevelopment, startups, technology, tedtalks, virtualization, web_design, and for fun WebGames,