I thought this was going to be a BS thread. We have had BS threads by the dozen, foisted upon us by sock puppets who simply like the sound of their own noise. However I believe you have a point. I suspect that is a contributing factor to why I am no longer a mod.
It would be instructive if posts that marginally or arguably step over the edge of TOS were left as an example, ideally with a final post by a mod detailing where and what the excursion is. I believe it would make the site easier to understand.
I don't think it will do anything for or about our current infestation of suck puppets.
~edit~ I don't think closed threads are the Good Stuff, though. The Good Stuff are fun threads that get spirited and keep testing the frontiers, but manage to stay active. The best stuff (imo) is when a suck puppet excretes a particularly tasty bit of "full retard" in plain view, and then the local predators sweep on in for a game of cat and wolves. Muy muy butthurt has been lovingly harvested and barbecued by yours truly and the other game wardens of Toke&Talk. We're a valuable part of the local ecology. We keep the population healthy and at a controlled size.
I believe that a lighter hand with deleting posts and threads would serve a valuable function: we could see just when some actual trolls launched a particularly vicious attack on a fellow site member or members. Some of the worst actors here have repeatedly had their performances deleted, sanitized. This makes it impossible for those of us who witnessed the event to prove it happened, and it allows the perpetrators to deny their action and become palpably righteous in their own defense. I think breaking that cycle would be an adjustment at first but of great and lasting benefit once it has survived the sort of testing bored, intelligent predators like the wardens and the hyenas are bound to perform.
Shit this became a screed. good morning RIU and provisional welcome to our newest alphanumeric. (whispers) whose sock are you