I think if you see something worthy of discussion in a thread, you should start a new one for discussion/debate about the issue so the replies are not in response to the person wanting support but to a more generic issue

I agree, it shouldn't overtake someone's thread asking for support.

But I'm always up for a debate. When I want to argue a point with my t I always search journal articles so I have objective data and not talking crap

And it is helpful for people in a supportive way, you get ideas and perspectives on issues that may relate to you that you hadn't considered before. It is always good to have an open mind and hear other opinions