How do people that doesn't use quotes or mentions notification bots browse this forum? I mean, it is wrong and does not promote healthy discussion. I am a user who is always not excited by whatever is in the opening topic (OP). I rather go through the flowing conversation to see who holds opposite opinion with me, then I will go in for some kind of debate in order to come out of the conversation more informed.
As you can see that everyone has different opinions from each other to what they want just as you've stated yours, since it's not part of the forum's rules, people are free to make use of this kind of opportunity which i count as not being an abuse, some user will only visit a thread and drop their one time opinion and that's all while some will always follow up the thread to keep on with the discussion through the notification, i hope you agree with me that not every thread you need to follow up time to time especially when it's not such you created or have more interest on the discussion after giving your first opinion on it.
Although this has its backlash, some merits sources will not hand out merits to you if you challenge their opinions
One thing i like more about this forum is that they merit sources always do justice where and when needed as appropriately, I've seen high ranks members, merit source, making replies on a thread and they dont receive merits and a low rank member receiving merits by another merit source on that same thread, this is all about quality delivery and how you feel touched by what any user posted irrespective of his rank or position.