Snug,I agree strongly with point #1 as you stated some are absolutely not necessary and /or inane.

I disagree with point #2 to the extent that you might miss a valuable post because the opinion may not be a popular view.I've also seen posts that created a "thread" with many posters commenting and agreeing yet they received none or only one "thumbs up"

I strongly disagree with point #3 in that by selecting the most popular posters you are restricting your DD to a relatively one-sided view and thus can be distracted from the main objective,that being,to look at various aspects of your investments,good AND bad.

As for point #7,absolutely.There are some arrogant and virtually useless posters with nothing to add ,or those that post something like "I agree,good job,right on etc.,etc.That's what the green"thumbs up"button is for.

PS...I agree,good job,right on Snug...GLTA

cs.