I think the thanks feature is a positive. It is there to backup what someone says. I am not aware of it being a popularity contest. I hope the thanks feature stays. As far as popularity issues go, this isn't the place for them. This is not a social site. This is a mental health site for people suffering for mental illness and personality disorders. It has come to my attention that several people on here that have been here a while, have not even been diagnosed. I'm not sure of the thinking behind this is, but it affects the board.