I could go into various theories of conversational engagement and belief perseverance bias, as well as confirmation bias (putting many on ignore is a form of the latter). Hitting the ignore button is not better for everyone. By placing too many on ignore - it means their whining goes on unanswered and is seen by those visiting the thread. With no pushback against some - it appears that the behavior is at least allowed, if not condoned, and can thus increase and create more contention in the thread. It's a fine line to walk - who to respond to and who not, as well as with what context and retorts - putting blinders on doesn't necessarily help the situation, but pushes it down the line for others to deal with.
So we'll have to agree to disagree on whether to respond, to whom, and how.