I just want to add, for the record, that this isn't something that tye did entirely on his own. There are a couple of areas where the helper elves can discuss various issues that come up.

The discussion was nearly unamimous for taking some action, as mistakes have been made in the past (as well as a certain amount of abuse). A couple of voices were raised about perhaps allowing self-approval, but the point about it being fairly easy to find someone else to approve the node was well-taken.

I would only ask (again) that if you reply to a node and you have access to the Approval nodelet, then please make certain that the root note has been Approved. I'm still seeing a lot of nodes that are not being approved.

--f