There are many things I don't agree with on reddit such as locking of posts but r/science has to be one of the best moderated sites on reddit.

I'm not sure about removing posts I've never noticed that on r/science. But just because I have not witnessed it doesn't mean it isn't true. I do have to say in post comments all the jokes, anecdotal stories (I'm guilty!) or bickering are quickly removed and that seems appropriate for the science. Let actual verified scientists answer genuine questions or make comments in a post's comments section.

This seems like both sides have good points but one side is the overall owner. The majority of subreddits have abysmal moderation quickly locking what the mods can't be bothered to moderate. Locking posts stifles debate it's just pure moderator laziness.