>> Too bad there isn't an "ignore thread" option on this board.

Click on user's name. (or My Controls) And in the top right where it says "Profile Options"
Select Ignore User.

Manage your ignored users

This section allows you to set up your ignored users list.
When you add a user to your ignore list, any posts they make will be masked until you specify that you wish to read them. You may not be able to ignore users if they are in a member group which doesn't allow them to be added.[/b]