This problem is already solved by 2 mechanisms: 1. HN's upvote/downvote system. This allows posts that the audience finds more interesting to move to the top.

This problem is already solved by 2 mechanisms: 1. HN's upvote/downvote system. This allows posts that the audience finds more interesting to move to the top. If you don't want to see something, downvote it. If it's on the top that means other people want to see it. 2. The little [-] icon allow you to close an subtree of conversations with a single click.