something that is actually bad for high quality discussions

This is purely a matter of opinion, proven by the fact that, not only do I have no issue with a joke comment thrown around in serious posts, I prefer the minor chuckle as a break from the soul-crushing reality that is everyday news.

I'll, once gain, point to the fact that you are the one choosing to engage these comments. It takes more effort to downvote, and immensely more effort to type out a reply, than it does to just scroll on by. When I walk into my local 7-11 to get down on a Coke-Banana Slurpee and some Takis, I don't start bitching and moaning about the fake penis enlargement pills and trucker speed I see along the way. I head to what I'm interested in, pay the man, and make like a baby.

The world is full of shit I don't want to deal with and would rather not see, but I don't control the rest of the world. Learn how to make peace with that and you'll be a lot happier.