If a thread doesn't interest me, I simply don't follow it beyond the initial reading. I don't expect every thread to 'tickle my fancy.'

That said, I find product-related posts to be a good resource. Sometimes I learn about a bit of gear I didn't realize I couldn't live without (much to the chagrin of my pocketbook). Other times, a full-scale review — and input from users — influences a buying decision. Rarely do I buy a new toy without first searching past threads to see what might've been discussed. Some of the online retailers I regularly patronize were discovered here.

For me personally, the present 'sub-forum' structure works well. Welcome your opposing thoughts, but gonna have to respectfully disagree.