An example of proper quoting:
In any case, the problem of off-topic replies is really more a reflection on the forum's lack of threading than any fault of the users.
I agree, but since the forum doesn't yet support threading, it's necessary to enforce on-topicness to keep the forum usable.
Substantial off-topic replies are usually split.
Just read and learn. And possibly you won't need to complain after some time, if you are a leaner.
I really would have loved to send the link to the message in question but I also deleted the message from my inbox.
I actually used the direct format as shown above and for the one you stated I messed things up, that message, just like this one is, was meant to be in the same context as the specific ones above it. That shouldn't call for an off-topic reply. A threading feature like Slack's would be good for this forum but its currently unsupported.
If there was a better way of handling message contexts on this forum, I'd love to know.