While they're not using this data to moderate by consensus at this point that's clearly the direction they're heading. Consensus certainly has its place, particularly in democratic institutions. But IMHO it's an anti-feature for a forum. It's exactly the counter-consensus opinions that I find most valuable. To the extent that they are suppressed the forum simply loses my interest. Yes, it's useful to see where the consensus is heading. But mostly it's a snooze, and the compelling content is the stuff that challenges it.

A better use of this data would be to highlight the counter-consensus speakers so that I can have a listen.