When the object is to ask a question - there are many way of of obtaining some form of answer.

If the object is to start a thread and encourage a discussion on a subject - the threads are the correct place for this.

What is now happening, is that having started a discussion in a thread - the originator is now encouraged to think that having started the thread and the discussion - they have some right to also close the discussion in this thread when they wish, by asking and expecting the thread to be closed.

Presumambly no one else who may have contributed does have a say and anyone who may haved wished to contribute to that discussion will not be able to.

Perhaps once started - all threads can remain open?