As I read threw this and think about the whole issue I think losing the Thanks button is really a loss. I have found it a nice way to easily let someone know their comments or suggestions were appreciated, without needing to post a reply. It was also somewhat satisfying to see a thanks on one of my own posts, because it meant someone had read it and found it of value.
If a few members wish to play around with the Thanks button, to amuse themselves, why should that cause a problem for others? Often the offended are simply looking for someone or something to be offended by, and any issue will do.
It seems to me that those who would take such light hearted amusement by someone else so seriously, become offended, and then complain enough to force an alteration in everyone else's behaviors, have serious emotional issues. It feels like a form of censorship of the larger group, by a few malcontents, and troublemakers who wish to control the behaviors of others.
Maybe we should start a movement of our own, to replace the Thanks button, and remove the would be thought control police?