Crow, When I first read your post I thought for sure it must be that bunch from IBC but it looks like everyone has fessed up.
I haven't paid much attention to the stars one way or another. I read most things that are posted here and stars or the lack there of isn't going to sway me to read a certain post.
An easy fix would be to have a clickable icon showing the user name and how they rated the thread.
We can give Mike two user names, for those times when he wants to debate himself.
Tony