I propose a “Flame Factor” for threads. It would range from “Flame Retardant” for the bland, neutral threads out to “Highly Flammable” for the threads that beggar extreme flaming. Let’s come up with an imaginary list of the various ratings, like, “No Smoking Within 50 Feet”, “Must Be Lit With Nukes”, “Oven Proof”, “Dishwasher Top Rack Only” and weirdass stuff like this. At least we can have some fun with this thread. Who knows, we might even come up with some remotely useful thread signage (as if). Again, I cast the virtual gauntlet upon the virtual floor.
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Can we disqualify flames which do not mention the object/subject of the flame by name? IOW stuff like “I hate this poster! I wish s/he would die!” and then going into a page of flame that otherwise would be pretty cool (hot?) . . .
Similarly, can we discount flames based on things which are not factually correct? The recent "Leave us Abuse the French . . . " thread in which the OP says something about French wine having battery acid in it springs to mind (and not even because roughly half my posts are in that thread:)).
For a level one or below, how about just not even acknowledging it? and for 1.0-1.9, how about “Would you like some cheese with that whine?” Just suggestions.
New Idea: identify 10 posters with their likely flame strengths. Use those to indicate severity of flame.
I am SO not volunteering to rank posters.