"I wanted to send an email to thank you instead of cluttering this thread but it was not in your profile." Sorry for another OT, but I think it would be great

"I wanted to send an email to thank you instead of cluttering this thread but it was not in your profile." Sorry for another OT, but I think it would be great and would reduce clutter on HN if there was a check box on each post that would make that post only show up for the person that is being replied to. Would be a perfect 'thank you' post system, and I wouldn't feel bad about voting down 'thank you' posts (which by themselves are meant well but impose a tax on others).