The threaded feature of discussions is near useless, because people will just randomly create new threads in the middle of a conversation. This is not the fault of the users, but poor design of this feature. The quote feature starts a new thread by default, even when called from an existing thread, and reply by email does the same.

I absolutely agree on that. But I don't agree removing the threading in discussions as this is super helpful for keeping track of discussions to a specific subject. I consider the issue more lies the bad usability, as you state, not seeing a clear visual difference and bad labeling if you are replying to a thread or set a new answer.

Just a showcase for the need of improved usability could the the "quote reply" feature. When quoting a reply in a thread, why does this feature insert the quoted text in the "new answer" field instead of the "reply in thread" field?

[If the video cannot be displayed for whatever reason, please reload the tab with CTRL+F5 (Windows users)]

Another frustrating issue is that if you reply by email, it also ends up in the wrong place.

It would definitely be better if they resolved the issues. But it doesn't seem like they are, so a minimal option would be to disable threading and avoid all the broken stuff.

Another solution is to give us as owners some moderation tools to move replies to the correct place.

Speaking of which, it may have been better to post your response as a new answer instead of as a reply to the AI generated spam answer. 😃

It would definitely be better if they resolved the issues. But it doesn't seem like they are, so a minimal option would be to disable threading and avoid all the broken stuff.

I don't think that's a good idea because this would

1. create even more messy discussions (even though there is indeed room for improvement)
2. most likely involve extra work

Speaking of which, it may have been better to post your response as a new answer instead of as a reply to the AI generated spam answer. 😃

Before writing my response, I was actually thinking about that too 😃 I chose this thread because just to prove my point that threading is (sometimes, but not always) a helpful feature in discussions. I don't wanna get rid of threading just because the usability is not perfect.

I think the best way to deal with these usability issues is by adding a screenshot/screencast demonstrating the problem and a constructive feedback how this problem could be resolved in a better way.

I think the best way to deal with these usability issues is by adding a screenshot/screencast demonstrating the problem and a constructive feedback how this problem could be resolved in a better way.

Sure, but people have literally been doing that for years to no effect.