I'm one in favour of the thanks and hugs button, but also get a little guilty feeling, or uncertain around it. Sometimes I say thanks, as meaning, I also get your thoughts, or hugs as meaning, you need a hug (but many ppl don't like hugs), but usually it is just for me, making sure that person knows they are being heard. Often thanks are because the person made me laugh.
I joined about 2 years ago, stopped because a dear friend passed away, then rejoined. My very first post didn't get many replies, but just seeing several people's hugs under my post made me realize I was at least being heard by someone real out there. I think it has a lot of value here.

I was also very down months ago and tried using another forum. There were no thanks or hugs or anything. I wasn't sure, unless someone replied, whether I was even being heard. I have come across a few people who obviously are using the thanks in a retaliatory way, I think it is up to us to leave it at that and not take it personally. That is why I like adding friends. Then you know the person better and feel more trust.