The Guidelines are clear about why we're here and expectations. The emphasis is on discussion, learning and objectivity. Yes, disagreement is mentioned (i.e., allowed) but even that needs to be constructive, yes?
A down vote - with no discussion - well, frankly in the context of the Guidelines, is:
1) Not in the spirit of the guidelines;
2) Perhaps redundant to 1, but lazy;
3) At best, small-minded and childish;
If people want to pout about reading something they don't like, this isn't the place for them.
Yeah, I see who you are. And I'm ok w/ pushing back. That's what make HN what it is ;)
How does that feel? What value does it add? (Sweet FA, eh.)
You're right, you might be right. But that does make it right. I get zero satisfaction from context-less down votes. I don't do them. I ignore them when I get them (i.e., they have zero influence on my HN behavior). If I'm changing my mind over some lazy a-holes' click, I'm losing. Big time.
I can't imagine why anyone feels any differently. The reality is, there are pointless noise. There's not enough context to drive anything actionable for anybody.
But while I have your attention: how about a feature request: Karma points that consider the discussion below a top-parent comment.
It is perfectly fine on HN and always has been.