Why is this all funny to you, Will?
I'll tell you why I think it is funny.
I had the exact same problem at a previous forum.
I don't think you understand how these places work. They are businesses. The threads and conversations that are encouraged and spurred and moderated are regulated to promote and encorage conversation, and thus, page views. NOT Stifle and limit them.
I get so tired of everyone chasing away the diversity of thought here.
If folks that have one POV and post an OP that are outnumbered 10 to one, and are not having their POV adequately understood or heard, it is the administration and moderation's prerogative to control the direction of that thread in anyway they see fit. IT IS A BUSINESS.
A forum is like a sandbox. If you don't like the way someone runs it, go find a different one. No one forces you to build your castle here.