Fini, I get what you're saying. The thank you button is used in many ways. Sometimes it is used just to let people know you have read the post. I know in the May 2012 thread many of us use it on every post. Some who no longer post use it to let us know they are ok, and when you have not heard from someone in months...this is a nice gift. Outside that thread, it does take some effort to be unconcerned with it. But some posts are more for us anyway. Also, there are many times I have clicked thank you on a post with my iPad and it does not show up the next time I am on the thread.
Sometimes when a thread goes so far off course, where it breaks down into sides... I do not feel comfortable leaving a thank you anymore. A few months ago that was different, I may have taken a side and joined in. It really got me nowhere so I avoid that now.