Well, I don't pretend to know what's in the mind of the beloved @TonyG, @superliquidsunshine . Guess this is too little, too late on my part. But I do think he needs to examine / explain the reality of the following:

(!) O_____o Completely false equivalence etcs. What has been "stolen", by adding feedback?

How does a negative rating even affect any ideas, beyond giving mere feedback? How can anyone possibly think that there's any "disruption" because of such superficial, trivial things as those tiny lil icons?

These seem to be the foundation of his complaint and withdrawal. I guess I'd just like a better, moar substantial reason than... Errr.. "because"? But I guess we're going to be waiting a while, sadly!

 

Please apply differential privacy first and then share as much knowledge as you want to.

 

I had left you all my entire collection of rare antique pornographic Japanese wood blocks in my last will and testament, but after your last post I have written you completely out. My lawyer has already been notified and the paperwork is all in order. I sincerely wish that things could have been different. They are now to be left to my old high school alma matter, Roswell School For Boys. I am sure that the young men will appreciate the gift. I have nothing left to say.

Here is but one of the 263 pieces, circa 1850, a very rare in perfect condition example. The collection as a whole has been valued at approximately 1.8 million Euros by Christie's of London.

 

but we here gathered penitents have already resigned ourselves, the hopeless we are, to forever dwell in the lowest of all pits beyond the seventh canyon of grief, and by the hour to eternity cry to the cloud covered sky.

silence now. the last bell has tolled and now the tower broken, the last note played, the last word spoken. silent. sound now itself crumbled and cracked, no return, no going back.

so please, inquisitors please, spare us the constant toll of our doom and mercifully let us shrink and crawl inch by inch to our fate, in remorse, to the very granules of dirt beneath the cloven feet of swine and beast. mercy, please, sweet mercy.


...or i have heard there are cats on youtube.

 

I am locking this thread, because further replies won't solve anything.
From what it's worth, it was their decision to push the final button, for whatever reason, valid or invalid. Even when done in emotional distress, there's plenty of notice period to cancel the pending deletion. Nevertheless, if any person thought to be wronged, or they simply change their mind, they may always return back when they please.
Now however, I think it's fair to respect their decision. They always have a choice of returning at any time in the future.