Can't downvote replies to my comments, is that new?

[RivieraKid]

I just wanted to downvote someone who replied to my comment, just press the downvote button real hard for a good feel. But the descendants of my comments don't have downvote buttons. Is that a recent change? If so, what's the thinking behind it?

[ColinWright]

To the best of my knowledge one has never been able to downvote replies to one's own submissions or comments.

[ilhackernews → ColinWright]

That's correct.

[RivieraKid → ColinWright]

Ahh ok, thanks

[brudgers]

I suspect the idea is that downvoting is not a productive means of rebuttal. Perhaps in part because the author of a comment is less likely to be objective in regard to contrary positions taken in child comments.

When I don't like a replying comment, I have to ignore it or use my words.

[Terretta]

I think you explained the rationale for this mechanism perfectly.