The ignore feature is set up to prevent an ignored member from posting on a thread made by the member doing the ignoring. I have seen this feature abused to the point where a member ignores anyone who has an opposing viewpoint on topics that are posted, so no one can contribute with constructive counterpoints. There is no debate, just the member using the feature to press their viewpoints on the forum with only agreeing members allowed to post on the thread in order to make the topic appear more valid.

I just want to reiterate that I am all for having your own point of view, and have no qualms with ignoring others for self care purposes, but using the ignore feature in such a way is very wrong IMHO, and should be made against the rules.