In my opinion, the genuine bumsore and pettiness marker is the number of thumbs-down given BY a member, for whatever the justification. It's only because these mental giants CAN, not because they have to.
If someone can't read some words and keep their little feelings out of it, then they have no place on a board with such a 'rating' system. Never mind the off-chance that they might be offended by a direct comment. Good grief.
Especially if, especially so, if they are retaliating against some mouthbreather that has dinged them first. No restraint, no discipline, no maturity.
If you don't like a topic, for gawds sake, save yourself and do not read it. If you do not 'get along' with some douchebag, then by all means, avail your dumb self with the ignore feature. Unless of course...well, unless people enjoy these chippy little retarded instances of acting out.
In that case, then have a really nice day.