<p>I disagree with this suggestion.  Having grown up on this policy, I don't have the same issues with it.  Here are some (rambling) thoughts:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>There are a number of 'big-list' type questions on CV that are not really on topic here.  Under the strict policy you suggest, they should be closed and then subsequently deleted.  I gather this has happened on SO in the past.  The result of that would be to not only prevent the gaining of reputation, but taking existing reputation away.  On the other hand, making such threads CW seems like a useful way to split the difference and make an exception in exceptional cases.  Threads like favorite cartoons and favorite quotes have benefited me personally (I've used examples in my classes).  I'm glad they continue to exist.</p>
<p>(<em>Note: Upon looking at the thread in question for the first time today, I notice @whuber's <a href="https://stats.stackexchange.com/questions/128616/whats-a-real-world-example-of-overfitting#comment244730_128616">reasoning</a> is fairly similar.</em>)</p>
</li>
<li><p>The fact that the favorite quotes thread is CW did not discourage me from posting a quote.  It may prevent someone, I don't know, but those threads have more answers than any other and I don't think they are lacking in sufficient posts.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Regarding the claim that votes &quot;not translate into any reward&quot;, this is incorrect: badges are accrued as they are with other posts.  In fact, the existence of these threads, which garner a lot of views, is one of the primary sources of rare badges like great answers.</p>
</li>
</ul>
