My go to sort is Subscribed+Top Day.
The issue with Hot and Active seems to be that comments weigh in a little too heavy. Since these are the top sorts, all these new Lemmings see these threads, comment, and keep them at the top.
When numbers stabilize (or at least stop doubling every couple of days) this might resolve itself, or maybe the Hot sort might get an tweak.
In the meantime, try the other sorts.