While I agree with you in this particularly case, in partial defense of the current system (or what I perceive it to be), perhaps there really are some topics t

While I agree with you in this particularly case, in partial defense of the current system (or what I perceive it to be), perhaps there really are some topics that are so toxic that they cannot be discussed productively on this site without causing damage to the overall level of discourse. HN has remained usable for more years and more doublings in size than most such sites. One shouldn't take for granted that this will continue. Maybe the current "canary" flagging approach has helped to preserve a better quality discussion about the technical issues than a more provocative approach. And maybe that's a better purpose for this particular site than allowing one more venue for important though contentious topics.