In the calmest of tones I intend this to be understood. I am not stirred up or angry at all. But I am curious what we are hoping to avoid and if we can really avoid it by the means mentioned.
First, our community in this forum is not comprised of mainly dissenters but even if it was, we shouldn't be so relucatant that we want to limit the possibility of dissent. This isn't welcoming abuse but rather opinions whether approving is disapproving.
Second, even if someone wanted to spread hate and discontent, the lack of some sort of dissenting button will not stop them. People disdain people, not thumbs.
Third, I am not locked into only one form or icon for dissent. I just want the ability to express it, or even moreso approval without needing to verbalize a point that has already been well made. Mere words indicating "agree" and "disagree" will get the gist across just as well.
Fourth, there is a need. Have you ever seen a popular thread that had a dozen or more pages of posts many of which only say "+1", "agreed", or something similar? Have you ever wanted to find a certain post but dreaded having to search through numerous pages? Have you ever seen a well articulated post that you really wanted to show support for but held back because you didn't want to divert attention away from the very thing that impressed you?
Lastly, we are right here right now having some disagreement. So what? Is anyone losing sleep over it?