I have to disagree, because there are many implicit references happening.

E.g. reusing code from a former poster which are relevant when reading longer threads.

This becomes more apparent when trying to read complex archived threads, where one didn't follow in real-time and that context is lost.

The "simplest" solution would be to have an immediate toggle between different sort orders, in JS or as a server request.

update

FWIW: My setting is sort by reputation tho, because this has still more benefits for me.