2+ for Big Lou, some are handy as a "snap shot" as to the direction a thread is leaning, which is especially helpful for new viewers, who have not had the opportuity to read through all the posts, and one reason I prefer not to originate threads, as I am on this site not only as a moderator, but primarily as a good listener, trying to get a feel for each post I read first and weigh in only to contribute just a bit, and allow free form thinking to prevail, letting the thread weave it's own fabric and content.