@Mastodon I think this is an okay short-term solution for this problem. For the long-term, I would suggest giving users the ability to hide replies to their original posts as well as have an opt-in quality filter that hides low quality replies (I have a feeling this is far easier said then done).

I know the latter would be controversial due to Mastodon/Fediverse's general stance on algorithms.

It's interesting how some people become "free marketplace of ideas" Libertarians in reaction to this.