A2Kers, where are you? Where is everyone?

Yep.

Actually I think quite a few here do. Even if they don't have then on "ignore".
I know I do.
And these days I often give up on threads I've been initially interested in for the same reason as you.
The problem is that a handful of posters can completely change the nature, the whole point, of a previously interesting thread. Then proceed to post away about about their own "special agendas". (says she politely. )
They rarely (if ever) start threads themselves, instead attach themselves to threads which are (initially at least) very active.
And they seem to have endless amounts of time on their hands.

<schniff>

I vote them down together with the trolls. If you all vote the stuff down as well you can make a difference (though ignoring them both is easier on you, voting influences the community a bit more). Everyone has a vote, but not that many people use it. I vote down the stupid stuff (which is a matter of taste, which is why my vote is worth the same as anyone else's) and the people who encourage the stupid stuff.

Well, part of the reason why is because a page full of collapsed posts or topics simply isn't pleasing to look at. I can never remember WHY I collapsed a topic, which prompts me to go back and check them out, as well....

Cycloptichorn

I've been considering changes to both of those details (e.g. not displaying a page full of collapsed posts and not making it so easy to check).

I would be interested in those changes! I would be a lot more likely to collapse stuff if the first was the case.

Cycloptichorn

I sometimes do the same.

Until the stupid stuff completely takes over the thread and then I just leave.

Been kinda busy around the house, Ms. Olga, like doing this
drainage improvement project at the front:

Ditto what JPB said. (Wink, wink)